What does immunapheresis mean?

Immune apheresis is an established procedure, also called immunoadsorption, which is used to treat blood outside the body. First, the blood is separated into its components, the cells and the blood fluid (plasma).

After separation, the blood plasma is treated with the help of an adsorber (for example GLOBAFFIN® from Fresenius). This special adsorber specifically retains the antibodies of the immune defence system and thus also the autoantibodies. This process is also called adsorption.

Afterwards, the purified blood plasma is reunited with the blood cells and fed to the patient.

HOW WE CAN HELP

For diseases caused by the formation of agonistic autoantibodies, immunapheresis can be used.

Agonistic autoantibodies are defence substances that are directed against the patient's own body. They can arise post-virally or post-vaccinally, e.g. in the course of a corona infection or vaccination.

These antibodies bind to various receptors (alpha 1, beta 1 ...) of the cell wall of the body's own cells and negatively affect the cell functions. This results in a dysfunction of the metabolic processes in the cell and can even lead to cell death. We refer here to the detailed scientific literature from the E.R.D.E.-AAK diagnostic laboratory.

During the therapy, large volumes of blood are passed through the adsorbers, so that appropriate accesses are made. This is realised by our experienced medical team.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE THERAPY?

Immunapheresis for post-Covid syndrome and post-VAC syndrome is currently to be considered as an alternative therapy.

The field of application of immunapheresis is various. The procedure has become established over the years for a wide variety of medical indications, specialties and diagnoses.

• Cardiology: autoimmune diseases e.g. dilated cardiomyopathy
• Neurology: autoimmune diseases e.g. myasthenia gravis, Guillan-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis
• Dermatology: autoimmune diseases e.g. bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris
• Nephrology: autoimmune diseases e.g. rapid progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN)
• Haematology: Autoimmune diseases e.g. haemophilia with inhibitors against factor VIII or IX, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
• Rheumatology: Autoimmune diseases e.g. systemic lupus erythemotides (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis