Quality of life after islet transplantation: data from the GRAGIL 1 and 2 trials.
Benhamou, P. Y.; Milliat-Guittard, L. *,+,++; Wojtusciszyn, A. [S]; Kessler, L. [P],**; Toso, C. ++; Baertschiger, R. ++; Debaty, I.; Badet, L. ++,++++; Penfornis, A. [S][S]; Thivolet, C. ++,[P][P],***; Renard, E. [S]; Bayle, F. +++; Morel, P. ++; Morelon, E. ++,++++++; Colin, C. *,+,++; Berney, T. ++; on behalf of the GRAGIL group 1
[Article] Diabetic Medicine. 26(6):617-621, June 2009.

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Background: Rigorous assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQL) is mandatory to establish the benefits of islet transplantation.

Methods: The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) scales were completed by patients included in an Islet Transplantation Alone (ITA) trial (n = 10) and an Islet After Kidney (IAK) trial (n = 10).

Results: The two populations differed by HRQL scores at baseline, with poorer scores in ITA patients. SF-36 scores for physical limitations, bodily pain, general health perception, social functioning, and health transition improved significantly in ITA patients 6 and 12 months post transplantation. The DQOL global score was significantly improved at 6 months and remained so at 12 months, because of a significant improvement in the dimensions of satisfaction and impact of diabetes. No improvement was observed in the IAK patients.

Conclusion: HRQL assessment may help in the selection of candidates with brittle diabetes for islet transplantation.

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