Comparative impact on islet isolation and transplant outcome of the preservation solutions Institut Georges Lopez-1, University of Wisconsin, and Celsior.

Background: Institut Georges Lopez-1 (IGL-1) is a preservation solution similar to University of Wisconsin (UW) with reversed Na/K contents. In this study, we assessed the impact of IGL-1, UW, and Celsior (CS) solutions on islet isolation and transplant outcome.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 376 islet isolations from pancreases flushed and transported with IGL-1 (n=95), UW (n=204), or CS (n=77). We determined isolation outcome and β-cell function in vitro. Transplanted patients were divided into three groups depending on preservation solution of pancreas, and islet graft function was assessed by decrease in daily insulin needs, C-peptide/glucose ratios, β-scores, and transplant estimated function at 1- and 6-month follow-up.

Results: IGL-1, UW, and CS groups were similar according to donor age, body mass index, and pancreas weight. There was no difference in islet yields between the three groups. Success rates, transplant rates, β-cell secretory function, and viability were similar for all three groups. We observed no difference in decreased insulin needs, C-peptide glucose ratios, β-scores, and transplant estimated function at 1- and 6-month follow-up between IGL-1, UW, and CS groups.

Conclusions: Our study shows that IGL-1 is equivalent to UW or CS solutions for pancreas perfusion and cold storage before islet isolation and transplantation.