Early Increases in Posttransplant Pancreatic Enzymes Are Associated With Surgical Complications But Not Graft Failure Among Pancreas Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to find the association between immediate postoperative increases in pancreatic enzymes and posttransplant complications among pancreas transplant recipients (PTRs). Methods We analyzed all PTRs transplanted at the University of Wisconsin between June 2009 and September 2018. Enzyme levels were presented as a ratio of absolute numbers to the upper limit of normal value, with value >1 considered as abnormal. We specifically evaluated bleeding, fluid collections, and thrombosis complications based on the amylase or lipase ratios on day 1 (Amylase1, Lipase1) and maximum ratios within 5 days of transplant (Amylasemax, Lipasemax). For early complications, we focused on technical complications that occurred within 90 days of transplant. For long-term outcomes, we assessed patient and graft survival, and rejections. Results There were a total of 443 PTRs, 287 were simultaneous pancreas and kidney recipients, and 156 were solitary pancreas recipients. Higher Amylase1, Liplase1, Amylasemax, and Lipasemax were associated with an increase in early complications, mainly need for pancreatectomy, fluid collections, bleeding complications, or graft thrombosis, particularly in the solitary pancreas group. Conclusions Our finding suggests that cases of early perioperative enzyme increase merit consideration for early imaging investigation to mitigate detrimental outcomes.