Diabetes Managed with Anterior Chamber Islet Cell Transplant
A patient with past medical history of uncontrolled diabetes and open globe injury of the right eye presents with blurred vision in her left eye. She had LP vision in her right eye. Her examination demonstrated changes consistent with prior open globe in the right eye, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the left eye. This patient (actually a primate) underwent experimental anterior chamber islet cell transplantation, which improved her blood glucose control without elevating her IOP. Islet cell transplants provide patients with a source of endogenous insulin, which can allow for stable blood glucose control with fewer fluctuations, while minimizing patient burden of injecting insulin and other medications. The currently used site for islet cell transplant is the portal vein. This site requires systemic immunosuppression, which can have significant side effects for patients. A novel trial has been launched at Bascom Palmer to investigate the anterior chamber as a site for islet cell transplant. Initial animal studies have shown islet cell transplant in the anterior chamber to be both safe and effective. Animal studies have also shown these anterior chamber islet cell transplants can survive without the use of continuous (maintenance) systemic immunosuppression.
Presentation Date: 04/24/2025
Issue Date: 05/16/2025
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