Islet Allotransplantation With Steroid Free Immunosuppression

Islet transplantation consisted of up to three sequential fresh islet infusions within three months. Access to the portal vein was gained under general anesthesia by percutaneous catheterisation of a peripheral portal branch under ultrasound guidance or by surgical catheterisation of a small mesenteric vein.

Immunosuppressive consisted of Tacrolimus, target through level at 3-6 ng/ml, Sirolimus, target through level at 12-15 ng/ml for three months and at 7-10 ng/ml thereafter. A five-dose induction course of Daclizumab 1mg/Kg was administered biweekly beginning one hour prior to the first infusion