The human defense system protects the organism from external influences such as viruses, bacteria or foreign substances. This happens with the help of special proteins, the so-called antibodies and defense cells, which are provided by the immune system.
The term autoimmune disease covers illnesses in which the immune system reacts incorrectly. In some cases, so-called autoantibodies are formed, which are directed against the body’s own cells and proteins. The defense system thus recognizes its own tissue as a foreign body and attacks it. Depending on the type of disease, different structures are affected – for example, the nerve cells in multiple sclerosis and the synovium in rheumatoid arthritis.
Targeted removal of autoantibodies with immunoadsorption
For patients suffering from severe forms of autoimmune diseases with the formation of autoantibodies and for whom conventional therapies are no longer effective, tryptophan immunoadsorption, DIAMED’s procedure, is effective and tried and tested. It specifically removes autoantibodies and the patient gets back his own purified blood. Immunoadsorption is used to treat a wide range of conditions in the acute setting.
These include:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Autoimmune encephalitides
- Guillian-barre syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Stiff-person syndrome
- Lambert-eaton syndrome
Being able to breathe again thanks to immunoadsorption
Alina S. Suffered for years from myasthenia – a muscle weakness that was sometimes so severe that she could neither walk nor eat. After years of unsuccessful attempts at therapy and numerous months in intensive care, immunoadsorption finally brought the desired success. She is now better and the mother of a healthy daughter.
How does immunoadsorption work?
Tryptophan immunoadsorption, also known as immunapheresis, is a well-established procedure used to cleanse the blood outside the body. Blood is drawn slowly and continuously through a vascular access port. First, the blood components separate into cells and blood fluid (plasma). After separation from the blood cells, the plasma is "purified" with the aid of an adsorber (tryptophan adsorber immusorba® TR-350).
This specifically retains the antibodies of the immune system and thus also the autoantibodies – experts also refer to this as "adsorption". The purified blood is then returned to the patient.
Tryptophan immunoadsorption is an alternative and complementary treatment to conventional therapies for specific autoimmune diseases. Immunoadsorption usually lasts two to three hours. The frequency of treatment depends on the disease in question and its severity. Doctors usually perform a series of five to eight immune adsorptions within eight to 14 days.
Immunoadsorption is used in clinics when the disease worsens acutely. In very rare cases, it can be used as a chronic long-term therapy for selected autoimmune diseases.
Schematic representation of immunoadsorption
The blood flows via a tube system into the first filter, the plasmaflo OP plasma separator (red). Here, the plasma (yellow) is separated from the cell-rich fraction of the blood. This plasma contains the antibodies. These antibodies are now retained in an adsorber, the immusorba TR-350. The "purified" plasma is then combined with the cell-rich fraction of the blood. The patient receives his own "purified" blood back (blue). The entire treatment runs continuously for approx. Two to three hours.
Immune adsorption: effective in multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nerves that can vary greatly from person to person. It is usually characterized by a relapsing course of disease. But it can also progress chronically.
The disease affects the central nervous system (CNS). In some forms of MS, autoantibodies are suspected of attacking nerve cells. Doctors distinguish between different MS subtypes, depending on the cause of the CNS damage. Immunoadsorption is a treatment option for severe relapses where cortisone is not effective. Around half of MS patients are more mobile again after immunoadsorption.
Use of immunoadsorption in autoimmune encephalitides
Autoimmune encephalitides are inflammations of the brain in which antibodies against proteins in the brain are detectable. An example of such a protein is the NMDA receptor, which plays an important role in signal transmission in the brain. If antibodies against this receptor are present, physicians refer to it as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The disease is u.A. Characterized by severe psychological symptoms such as hallucinations, epileptic seizures and severe disturbances of consciousness. Depending on the type of autoantibodies, combined therapy with steroids and immune adsorption can bring about a rapid and significant improvement.
Immunoadsorption in guillian-barre syndrome and CIDP
Guillian-barre syndrome (GBS) is a disease of the peripheral nerves in which autoantibodies are directed against the insulating layer of the nerves (the so-called myelin sheath), e.g. the myelin sheath.B. In the arms and legs. As a result, the conduction velocity of the affected nerves continues to decrease. Gradually there is a complete loss of function. Patients suffer from paralytic symptoms that often start in the legs and in severe cases can also affect the respiratory system.
CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy) is also known as the chronic form of Guillian-barre syndrome. Tryptophan immunoadsorption can significantly improve symptoms in patients with GBS and CIDP. It is also well tolerated. Immunoadsorption can also be used as an acute therapy for patients with CIDP, and in rare cases as a long-term outpatient therapy.
Effective also for myasthenia gravis
In severe muscle weakness, also known as myasthenia gravis, autoantibodies are directed against receptors of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The receptors are located at the motor end plate, the junction between the nerve and the muscle tissue. The autoantibodies prevent the transmission of stimuli from the nerves to the affected muscle groups. As a result, the muscles are no longer excitable and the brain can no longer control them. There is a load-dependent muscle weakness up to paralysis.
With immunoadsorption, these autoantibodies can be rapidly lowered during an acute crisis. patients’ complaints improve rapidly. In very rare cases the immunoadsorption is permanent.
We always recommend that you consult with your treating physician.