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Double Filtration Plasmapheresis

 

What is Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP)?

Double Filtration Plasmapheresis (DFPP) is a therapeutic procedure used in medicine to selectively remove harmful substances from the blood plasma while retaining essential components. It involves the extracorporeal separation of plasma from blood cells, followed by filtration to remove targeted substances, and then reinfusion of the purified plasma back into the patient’s circulation. It is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and kidney diseases.

DFPP is often used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus nephritis or myasthenia gravis, where the removal of autoantibodies or other pathogenic factors from the plasma can help alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes. It may also be employed in the management of certain neurological disorders, metabolic disorders, or in the preoperative preparation of patients undergoing organ transplantation.

By selectively removing harmful substances from the plasma while retaining essential components, DFPP helps modulate the composition of the patient’s blood to achieve therapeutic goals. This may include alleviating symptoms of autoimmune diseases, managing neurological disorders, or preparing patients for organ transplantation. However, the specific application of DFPP and the targeted substances removed depend on the patient’s condition and treatment objectives.

Credit: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/cms/asset/4e9a82bb-9c62-4bd7-a788-8271d3b2cb37/tap13548-fig-0001-m.jpg

Benefits of Double Filtration Plasmapheresis

DFPP is believed to have a variety of health benefits, including:

  • Removal of Harmful Substances: DFPP effectively eliminates pathogenic factors, toxins, immune complexes, and other harmful substances from the blood plasma. This targeted removal can help alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and certain metabolic conditions.
  •  Immunomodulation: By removing autoantibodies and immune complexes associated with autoimmune diseases, DFPP helps modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. This can lead to symptom relief and a reduction in disease activity.
  • Reduced Disease Activity: DFPP can help reduce disease activity in autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis. By removing autoantibodies and inflammatory mediators, DFPP contributes to disease remission and improved patient outcomes.
  • Improved Clinical Symptoms: Patients undergoing DFPP often experience relief from symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and neurological manifestations associated with autoimmune diseases. This improvement in clinical symptoms enhances the patient’s quality of life and functional status.
  • Preparation for Transplantation: DFPP is utilized as a preparatory measure in patients undergoing organ or stem cell transplantation. By removing pre-existing antibodies and immune cells that could lead to transplant rejection, DFPP helps optimize the recipient’s immune system and improve transplant outcomes.
  • Enhanced Drug Efficacy: DFPP can improve the efficacy of certain medications by reducing the concentration of circulating inhibitors or enhancing drug clearance from the bloodstream. This allows for better therapeutic response and may reduce the need for higher medication doses.
  • Safety and Tolerability: DFPP is generally well-tolerated, with minimal adverse effects reported. Compared to other plasma exchange methods, DFPP offers a more selective and efficient removal of target substances while preserving essential plasma components, reducing the risk of complications.
  • Customization and Adaptability: DFPP protocols can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual patients, allowing for personalized treatment regimens based on the underlying condition, disease severity, and patient response.

Overall, DFPP represents a valuable therapeutic option for patients with autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and other conditions characterized by abnormal plasma composition. By effectively purifying the blood plasma, DFPP contributes to symptom relief, disease management, and improved patient well-being.

Q&A

for DFPP (Double Filtration Plasmapheresis)

1. How does DFPP work?

DFPP is an advanced blood purification therapy that selectively removes harmful substances, such as inflammatory cytokines, autoantibodies, and toxins, while preserving essential blood components. The process involves two filtration steps—one to separate plasma from blood cells and another to filter out specific unwanted molecules before returning the cleaned plasma to the body.

2. How many liters of blood are filtered in a DFPP session?

On average, 2-3 liters of blood are processed per session, but this may vary depending on individual patient needs, treatment goals, and medical conditions.

3. What conditions can DFPP help with?

DFPP is commonly used for:

  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Cardiovascular health (e.g., atherosclerosis, high cholesterol)
  • Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis)
  • Chronic inflammation & detoxification
  • Anti-aging & longevity support
4. How long does a DFPP session take?

A typical DFPP session lasts 2-3 hours, depending on the patient’s blood flow rate and overall treatment plan.

5. Is DFPP safe? Are there any side effects?

DFPP is generally well-tolerated, but some patients may experience mild fatigue, temporary low blood pressure, or slight dizziness during or after treatment. Proper hydration and post-treatment care can help minimize these effects.

6. How often should DFPP be done?

The frequency of DFPP depends on the medical condition being treated. Some protocols recommend weekly sessions for acute conditions, while monthly or quarterly sessions are suggested for maintenance and preventive health.

7. What makes DFPP different from regular plasmapheresis or ozone therapy?
  • DFPP Selectively removes specific harmful molecules while retaining beneficial proteins.
  • Plasmapheresis: Removes and replaces all plasma, requiring external plasma sources.
  • Ozone Therapy: Oxygenates the blood and enhances detoxification but does not physically remove harmful molecules.
8. Can DFPP be combined with other therapies?

Yes, DFPP is often combined with stem cell therapy, peptide therapy, ozone therapy, and IV infusions for enhanced regenerative and detoxification benefits.

9. Why is DFPP expensive?

Since DFPP involves filtering out waste or unwanted substances from the body using a dual filtration system, it results in less protein loss compared to conventional filtration methods.

10. Why is DFPP necessary?

Plasma in each person’s body accumulates toxins, inflammatory substances, and pathogens, which can impact overall health. It is essential to take preventive measures against diseases early and maintain long-term well-being. DFPP is a technology that helps remove harmful or toxic components from your plasma, acting as a form of blood detoxification for better health.

11. Can people with pre-existing conditions undergo plasma filtration?

Plasma filtration is generally suitable for everyone. However, it may not be recommended for individuals with blood clotting disorders, low blood pressure, people allergic to eggs or albumin, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and patients with chronic kidney disease.

12.What should be avoided after DFPP?

Avoid sun exposure and staying in hot environments, Refrain from taking hot baths and consuming hot food or beverages for at least 3 hours.

13. Which IV drip is provided during DFPP treatment at KC Wellness?

At KC Wellness, Albumin is provided during DFPP (Double Filtration Plasmapheresis) to help maintain blood volume and stabilize circulation. Since DFPP removes a portion of plasma, including proteins like albumin.