Who is a Kidney or Pancreas Transplant Candidate?

Transplantation can be a life-enhancing option that improves quality and length of life.

At UPMC, we carefully evaluate potential candidates for kidney or pancreas transplants. For those who don’t meet transplant eligibility requirements, we work with referring physicians to determine alternative treatment options.

Kidney Transplant Eligibility

Candidates for kidney transplant may include people:

• With chronic kidney disease (currently on dialysis).
• With chronic kidney disease (not yet on dialysis).

Research has found that people who have had a successful kidney transplant generally live longer and have fewer medical complications than those on dialysis.

Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Eligibility

Because kidney complications are common in people with diabetes, some may be candidates for a simultaneous kidney-pancreas or pancreas-after-kidney transplant.

Kidney-pancreas transplants may benefit people with type 1 diabetes who have underlying kidney problems, such as:

• Diabetic nephropathy
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Diabetic autonomic neuropathy or gastroparesis
• Accelerated atherosclerosis

Pancreas Transplant Eligibility

Ideal candidates for pancreas transplant have diabetes, but do not have kidney failure, such as those with:

• Insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes.
• Diabetes that is difficult to manage.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) unawareness.

Pancreas-After-Kidney Transplant Eligibility

Pancreas transplants can be performed after a successful kidney transplant on patients who still have diabetes.

Our multidisciplinary team of kidney and pancreas transplant experts will work with you to decide the best possible treatment option for your needs.