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Published on: May 14, 2019
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on a human research islet program
Tina J Dafoe1, Theodore Dos Santos1, Aliya F Spigelman1
1Alberta Diabetes Institute IsletCore and Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract:
Designated a pandemic in March 2020, the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), led to new guidelines and restrictions being implemented for individuals, businesses, and societies in efforts to limit the impacts of COVID-19 on personal health and healthcare systems. Here we report the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pancreas processing and islet isolation/distribution outcomes at the Alberta Diabetes Institute IsletCore, a facility specializing in the processing and distribution of human pancreatic islets for research. While the number of organs processed was significantly reduced, organ quality and the function of cellular outputs were minimally impacted during the pandemic when compared to an equivalent period immediately prior. Despite the maintained quality of isolated islets, feedback from recipient groups was more negative. Our findings suggest this is likely due to disrupted distribution which led to increased transit times to recipient labs, particularly those overseas. Thus, to improve overall outcomes in a climate of limited research islet supply, prioritization of tissue recipients based on likely tissue transit times may be needed.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced pancreas processing but maintained islet quality. Disrupted distribution increased transit times, negatively impacting research outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Virology
- Transplantation research
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic imposed global restrictions impacting healthcare and research.
- Human pancreatic islet isolation and distribution are critical for diabetes research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pancreas processing and islet isolation/distribution at a specialized research facility.
- To assess organ quality and cellular function of isolated islets during the pandemic.
- To understand recipient feedback regarding islet research materials.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pancreas processing and islet isolation data from the Alberta Diabetes Institute IsletCore.
- Comparison of pandemic period data with an equivalent pre-pandemic period.
- Analysis of recipient feedback and communication logs.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in the number of organs processed during the pandemic.
- Maintained organ quality and cellular function of isolated islets compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Increased negative feedback from recipient groups, correlated with longer distribution transit times, especially for international recipients.
Conclusions:
- While islet quality was preserved, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected research outcomes due to distribution challenges.
- Prioritizing tissue recipients based on anticipated transit times may optimize outcomes with limited research islet supply.
- Strategies to mitigate distribution delays are crucial for maintaining the efficacy of islet research during global health crises.
