Islet cell transplantation (into the recipient#39;s liver) has theoretical advantages over pancreas transplantation; the most important is that the procedure is less invasive. A secondary advantage is that islet cell transplantation appears to help maintain normoglycemia in patients who require total pancreatectomy for pain due to chronic pancreatitis. Nevertheless, the procedure remains developmental, although steady improvements appear to be occurring.
Its disadvantages are that transplanted glucagon -secreting alpha cells are nonfunctional (possibly complicating hypoglycemia) and several pancreata are usually required for a single islet cell recipient (exacerbating disparities between graft supply and demand and limiting use of the procedure).
Indications are the same as those for pancreas transplantation. Simultaneous islet cell–kidney transplantation may be desirable after the technique is improved.
(See also Overview of Transplantation.)
Sickle cell anemia
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a serious medical condition that causes pain and fever, passed from parent to child and mainly affecting black people
Sickle cell anemia meaning & definition 1 of Sickle cell anemia.
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a form of anemia (= condition in which the blood cannot carry enough oxygen) that is caused by a gene (= chemical pattern) that is received from both parents
Sickle cell anemia meaning & definition 2 of Sickle cell anemia.
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