Pancreatic Islet Transplantation in the Anterior Chamber of the Human Eye - a Pilot Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BASEL, SWITZERLAND · Sep 26, 2016

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new method for treating Type 1 Diabetes by transplanting pancreatic islet cells into the front part of the eye, specifically in patients who have severe vision impairment. The main goal is to see if this procedure is safe and to check if it can help improve insulin production and blood sugar control in these patients. Researchers will also look at how aware patients are of low blood sugar episodes after the transplant.

To join this study, participants need to be at least 18 years old, have Type 1 Diabetes, and have already received a kidney transplant with ongoing medication to prevent rejection. They should have significant vision loss in at least one eye but not have any severe eye infections or other conditions that make it hard to see the front part of the eye. If someone decides to participate, they will be monitored closely to ensure their safety and to evaluate the effects of the transplant on their diabetes management. This study is currently looking for volunteers who meet these criteria.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Type 1 Diabetes (American Diabetes Association criteria)
• • 2. Kidney transplant recipient with ongoing immunosuppression
• • 3. At least one eye with extensive loss of vision from hand motion to no light perception due to damage of retina or optic nerve
• • 4. Age ≥ 18 years
• • 5. Normal cornea with good visualization of the anterior segment
• • 6. Patient not eligible or with no wish for standard pancreatic islet into the hepatic portal system or pancreas transplantation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Uncontrolled diabetic retinopathy
• • 2. Signs of current infection
• • 3. Poor visualization of the anterior chamber