Pump-pocket infections

Levy RP, Borchelt MD, Kremer RM, Francis SJ, O Connor CA. Hemophilus influenza infection of an implantable insulin-pump pocket. Diabetes Care 1992 15(ll) 1449-50. 

Continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion with implantable pumps has been assessed in 34 patients with poorly controlled diabetes (231). In two patients, the pump was explanted in one patient with Werner s syndrome (no subcutaneous fat) the pump was explanted because of infection in the pocket, and one pump was explanted because the patient had local complaints and psychological problems. One patient refused to be included. Patients were followed for 58 months. HbAic fell from 10.0 to 9.0% in the first year and remained there. Median days in hospital fell from 45 to 13 after 1 year. The quality of life was relatively low and many had psychiatric problems. Although long-term glycemic control improved and lengths of hospital stay were reduced, normal glucose control and normal quality of life could not be achieved. 

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