deImmunadsoption overview
Immunoadsorption is a highly specialized blood purification procedure that is increasingly establishing itself as a promising therapeutic approach for chronic immune disorders – especially in the case of long Covid. Immunoadsorption involves the targeted removal of disease-causing autoantibodies and immune complexes from the blood plasma. Thanks to its precise effect, immunoadsorption is now used as a targeted alternative to conventional dialysis for many diseases.
What exactly is immunoadsorption?
Immunoadsorption is a non-invasive method of extracorporeal blood purification in which the blood is first separated into its components. While the blood cells remain in the body, the plasma is passed through special adsorbers. These adsorbers bind specific disease-relevant substances – primarily antibodies and immune complexes – through immunological or physicochemical adsorption. The purified plasma is then returned to the body together with the blood cells.
In contrast to dialysis, in which mainly metabolic breakdown products are removed, immunoadsorption specifically targets misdirected immune activities. It is not a whole blood procedure, but is volume-neutral and therefore particularly well tolerated. The combination of efficiency and precision makes immunoadsorption an important supplement for immune-mediated diseases.
Long Covid immunoadsorption: hope for those affected
The demand for immunoadsorption for Long Covid is continuously increasing. More and more studies are showing that autoantibodies play a key role in the maintenance of Long Covid symptoms. Complaints such as fatigue, concentration disorders, shortness of breath or palpitations are triggered by permanent immune dysregulation.
Long Covid immunoadsorption targets precisely these processes: Autoantibodies that are directed against the body’s own structures are effectively removed. Many patients report an improvement after Long Covid immunoadsorption – sometimes after just a few sessions. This is why Long Covid immun oadsorption is increasingly being offered in specialist facilities as an individual treatment trial or complementary therapy.
Doctors usually carry out a series of five to eight immunoadsorptions within eight to 14 days. Long Covid immunoadsorption is used in specialized clinics, especially if the patient’s state of health deteriorates acutely. In very rare cases, immunoadsorption can also be used as a chronic long-term therapy for certain autoimmune diseases – but only for clearly defined indications.
Immunoadsorption dialysis: What’s the difference?
Immunoadsorption dialysis is not conventional kidney dialysis, but a specific form of blood treatment. While classic dialysis primarily removes water and metabolic products via a semi-permeable membrane, immunoadsorption dialysis concentrates on immunologically active components.
Immunoadsorption dialysis can remove precisely those antibodies from the circulation that are responsible for symptoms, particularly in the case of chronic inflammatory diseases, neurological syndromes or immune dysfunctions. Immunoadsorption dialysis thus offers a highly precise method that goes beyond pure detoxification and modulates the immune response.
How long does the effect of immunoadsorption last?
The duration of effect of immunoadsorption depends heavily on the underlying disease, the patient’s immune status and the number of sessions performed. In acute flare-ups or after Long Covid immunoadsorption, the improvement in symptoms can occur after just a few sessions and last for several weeks to months.
In some cases, however, particularly in chronic autoimmune diseases, immunoadsorption is not a one-off procedure but part of a recurring treatment strategy. Depending on the course of the disease, new series may be necessary at intervals of several months. With immunoadsorption dialysis, it may also be necessary to repeat the therapy regularly in order to maintain a stable immune balance.
The decisive factor for the duration of the effect is whether accompanying measures are taken: targeted cause-oriented therapy, lifestyle adjustments, anti-inflammatory infusions and, if necessary, immunomodulating medication can help to prolong the positive effects of immunoadsorption. Long-term stability is a decisive factor when estimating the costs of immunoadsorption, as several treatment cycles can lead to considerable financial expenditure.
How do you feel after immunoadsorption?
Most patients report noticeable physical relief after immunoadsorption – especially if the treatment is targeted and carried out at the right time. Immunoadsorption Long Covid can lead to a significant improvement in typical symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain or shortness of breath after a few sessions. Many describe a “clearer head feeling”, more energy in everyday life and significantly increased resilience.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that reactions can vary greatly from person to person. While some people notice an immediate improvement, others may need some time for the body to react to the changed immune situation. Immediately after immunoadsorption, temporary circulatory symptoms such as tiredness or slight dizziness may occur – these are generally harmless and easily treatable.
Important: Immunoadsorption is not an immediate symptom-suppressing measure, but a profound modulation of the immune system. It is therefore advisable to give the body sufficient rest, fluids and, if necessary, supportive infusion therapies after each session. In specialized clinics, aftercare is closely monitored in order to exploit the full potential of the treatment.
What are the risks of immunoadsorption?
Like any medical procedure, immunoadsorption is not completely risk-free. Although it is carried out in specialized clinics under strict safety standards, side effects can occur. Circulatory reactions such as dizziness, tiredness, a drop in blood pressure or feeling cold often occur during or after immunoadsorption. In individual cases, allergic reactions to the adsorber materials used may occur. There is also a risk of infection at the puncture sites and a temporary weakening of the immune system.
In the case of long Covid immunoadsorption or chronic autoimmune diseases, it is also important to note that although the targeted removal of antibodies provides relief, it does not represent a causal cure. Therefore, every immunoadsorption should be carried out as part of a comprehensive therapy concept.
Nevertheless, immunoadsorption is a safe procedure if it is correctly indicated, closely monitored and carried out by experienced practitioners. Compared to classic dialysis, the risks are usually lower – however, the higher safety requirements are also reflected in the immunoadsorption costs.
Immunoadsorption costs: What do patients need to know?
The immunoadsorption costs depend largely on the number of sessions and the underlying indication. As five to eight treatments are usually carried out within a short period of time, the immunoadsorption costs quickly add up. Each session usually costs between 2,000 and 5,000 euros. This results in total costs of 10,000 to over 30,000 euros for a complete series of treatments.
Whether the immunoadsorption costs are covered depends on the respective insurance company and the insurance status. Statutory health insurance companies only cover the costs of immunoadsorption in individual cases following a review by the medical service. Private health insurance companies are often more open if a specialist medical opinion is available. The assumption of costs for Long Covid immunoadsorption is not yet standardized – an individual consultation is recommended here.
Are immunoadsorption and apheresis the same thing?
Immunoadsorption is a special form of apheresis – but the two terms are not identical. Apheresis is an overarching medical term for procedures in which certain components are removed from the blood. This includes various methods such as plasmapheresis, cascade filtration or immunoadsorption.
Within apheresis, immunoadsorption is a highly specialized procedure that specifically filters disease-causing antibodies, immune complexes and cell-damaging proteins from the plasma. It differs from other forms of apheresis in particular through the use of specific adsorbers that bind immunologically active substances.
In short: every immunoadsorption is an apheresis – but not every apheresis is an immunoadsorption. At VitaSangius, we consciously rely on alternative apheresis procedures such as cascade filtration, which we find to be more effective, more tolerable and more widely applicable in many cases.
Why VitaSangius does not offer immunoadsorption
Despite its proven effectiveness, VitaSangius deliberately does not rely on immunoadsorption. Our focus is on cascade filtration, a method that we consider to be more effective, gentler and more holistic. While immunoadsorption concentrates on the symptomatic removal of certain immune substances, cascade filtration goes one step further and removes a broader spectrum of pathogenic components – also volume-neutral and customizable. Find out more here.
In addition, we focus not only on the symptomatic cleansing of the blood, but also on the systematic identification and treatment of the causes of immunological dysregulation. This distinguishes us significantly from facilities that only offer Long Covid immunoadsorption.
Immunoadsorption – opportunities, application, costs
Immunoadsorption is an advanced therapy, especially for long Covid, severe autoimmune diseases and in specialized cases as an alternative to classic dialysis. The method offers precise ways to modulate the immune system – but at a high cost. The costs of immunoadsorption can add up considerably depending on the duration and frequency of treatment.
Depending on the diagnosis, it is crucial for those affected to obtain comprehensive information about immunoadsorption Long Covid or immunoadsorption dialysis and the costs of immunoadsorption.
At VitaSangius, we are happy to advise you on possible alternatives such as double filtration plasmapheresis – individually, medically sound and always with a view to long-term health.
