[The effect of a combined transplantation of the pancreas and kidney on the course of peripheral diabetic neuropathy].

Sixteen type I diabetics were followed up from the neurological aspect and by electromyography for 6 to 42 months following successful combined transplantation of the pancreas and kidney. Before transplantation all patients suffered from medium severe to severe peripheral polyneuropathy, grade 3-5 according to the commonly used quantitative classification. All patients reported after transplantation subjective improvement, e.g. of the muscular strength or steadiness of gait. In six patients the clinical and in eight patients the electromyographic finding improved by one grade, in four patients at least the conductivity in the nerves of the upper extremities improved. In four patients the neurological and electromyographic finding did not change; none of the patients after successful transplantation deteriorated. The authors discuss the favourable effect not only of elimination of the uraemic syndrome, but also the effect of the improved carbohydrate metabolism on regenerating processes in the peripheral nervous system.