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AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
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Autoimmune diseases result from improper functioning of the body's immune system, where it accidentally attacks the body's own cells and tissues instead of just fighting pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. There are many different types of autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune Diseases
Causes of autoimmune diseases
The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are not yet fully understood, but there are some factors that may play a role:
Causes of autoimmune diseases
01
Genetic predisposition
A genetic predisposition can increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. People with certain genes may be more susceptible to developing an autoimmune disease. These genes can influence the immune system and increase the likelihood of an incorrect reaction to the body's own tissues.
02
Environmental factors
Various environmental factors such as infections, smoking, diet and exposure to pollutants can increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. Some infections can confuse the immune system by having similar structures or proteins to the body's own cells, which can cause the immune system to accidentally attack the body's own tissue.
03
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can affect the immune system and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. Sex hormones, particularly estrogen, may play a role in regulating the immune system.
04
Immune system imbalance
A disturbed balance in the immune system, in which certain cells or proteins are overactive, can trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases. This can be triggered by a variety of factors, including genetic abnormalities.
05
stress
Chronic stress can strain the immune system and lead to inflammation, which can promote autoimmune diseases. The mechanism by which stress influences autoimmune diseases is complex and still being researched.
06
Nutritional factors
Recent studies suggest that certain dietary habits may influence the risk of autoimmune diseases. A balanced diet can help keep the immune system in a healthy balance.
07
Viral diseases
Viral infections can play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases. This often happens through a mechanism called molecular mimicry. In molecular mimicry, certain proteins or structures on viruses or bacteria resemble those in the body's own tissue. The immune system can then fight the pathogens, but in some cases it can also attack its own tissues that contain similar proteins or structures.
It is important to note that autoimmune diseases can vary widely and not all of these factors play a role in every case. The exact cause can vary from disease to disease.
Examples of autoimmune diseases
Treatment of autoimmune diseases
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids are often prescribed to treat acute inflammatory attacks in various autoimmune diseases.
Immunomodulating drugs
Immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclosporine can suppress the immune system to reduce autoimmune reactions.
Biological drugs such as TNF-alpha inhibitors are used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Hormone therapy
For autoimmune diseases that affect hormone production, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hormone replacement therapy may be used to balance hormone levels in the body.
Immunotherapy
For some autoimmune diseases, immunotherapy may be considered to reprogram the immune system or modulate responses. Immunotherapy can be performed in a variety of ways, including the targeted removal of specific immune cells. The goal is to reduce harmful autoimmune reactions while maintaining the immune system's ability to fight pathogens.
The choice of immunotherapy depends on the type of autoimmune disease, its severity and the individual needs of the patient.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
For autoimmune diseases that cause muscle weakness or joint problems, physical therapy and rehabilitation can help improve mobility and quality of life.
Diet and lifestyle
A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, including adequate exercise and stress management, can help relieve the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat damage or complications from autoimmune diseases. For example, intestinal resection may be necessary for ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Plasmapheresis
In severe autoimmune diseases, especially if they are life-threatening, plasmapheresis can be considered as a last resort. Plasmapheresis, also known as therapeutic plasma exchange, involves the exchange of a large portion of the patient's plasma. The exchanged plasma is replaced either with a protein solution (human albumin) or the plasma from healthy donors.
Examples of autoimmune diseases for which plasmapheresis may be considered include Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and certain forms of systemic vasculitis.
Treatment options for autoimmune diseases depend on the specific disease and its severity. Some common approaches are listed below:
INUSpheresis®
INUSpherese® for autoimmune diseases
TheINUSpheresis® is an advanced healing method for blood plasma purification, which aims to effectively separate harmful substances from the blood plasma. INUSpheresis® aims to filter out only disease-promoting (pathogenic) substances from the blood plasma, while healthy components of the plasma remain intact and are reintroduced to the body. This ensures that the organism continues to have all the nutrients and healthy components it needs. The plasma is not exchanged.
In contrast to traditional blood washing, plasmapheresis or dialysis procedures, which remove a wide range of substances from the blood, INUSpheresis® aims to remove only pathogenic or harmful contaminants from the bloodstream.
Targeted removal of harmful substances
Preservation of vital components
During treatment, vital elements such as electrolytes, proteins, nutrients, blood cells and antibodies in the patient's blood are not affected or removed. This helps maintain balance in the body.
Specially developed
filter
INUSpheresis® uses specially designed filters that ensure only harmful or pathogenic substances are removed from the blood while the important components remain intact.
Gentle and well-tolerated treatment
Due to the targeted removal of harmful substances and the preservation of healthy components, INUSpheresis® is generally a gentle and well-tolerated treatment method.
By removing harmful antibodies and other pathogenic factors from blood plasma, INUSpheresis® can help reduce inflammation, mitigate autoimmune reactions and relieve symptoms. However, the effect can be limited in time. In some cases, repeated INUSpherese® treatment may be necessary to keep the disease under control.
INUSpheresis® appears to be a promising option for patients who require targeted removal of harmful substances from the bloodstream without affecting healthy blood components.
However, as with all medical procedures, use should be carried out under medical supervision and tailored to the patient's individual needs. At ELLANN® The focus is on the safety and well-being of our patients. A special aspect that sets us apart from many other centers is the continuous presence ofMs. Kellermann, specialist in anesthesiology and intensive care medicine.
Mode of action and benefits
Galina Kellermann
Specialist in anesthesia and intensive care medicine.
⎯⎯• Allergies
⎯⎯• Lyme disease
⎯⎯• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
⎯⎯• Chronic hepatitis C
⎯⎯• Hashimoto
⎯⎯• Hyperlipidemia
⎯⎯• Crohn's disease
⎯⎯• multiple sclerosis
⎯⎯• Multiple Chemical Hyper-
sensitivity syndrome (MCS)
⎯⎯• Parkinson's
⎯⎯• Post-COVID syndrome
⎯⎯• Post-vac syndrome
⎯⎯• Rheumatism (chronic inflammatory)
⎯⎯• Heavy metal poisoning
⎯⎯• and more
INUSpheresis® was developed to remove a variety of disease-promoting substances and toxic substances from the blood. These include environmental toxins, heavy metals, allergens, metabolic products, inflammatory messengers, infection toxins and harmful proteins. Specially developed filters make it possible to specifically filter out these pollutants while preserving healthy components of the blood. INUSpherese® does not affect your vaccination protection because antibodies and immune cells that are responsible for your vaccination protection are preserved. This makes INUSpheresis® an extremely effective method for cleaning blood plasma and supporting general well-being and health.
INUSpheresis® is not a conventional blood wash or plasma exchange method. It is also not dialysis, in which urinary substances are filtered out. INUSpheresis® is characterized by the targeted removal of harmful substances, while essential and healthy components of your blood remain untouched. This includes vital electrolytes, proteins, nutrients, blood cells and antibodies. The use of specially developed filters ensures that only pathogenic contamination is removed during the treatment. This makes the treatment particularly gentle and generally very well tolerated.
The number of INUSpherese® treatments required depends on your individual health status and health goals. A basic cycle of two treatments within 48 hours is recommended. For more intensive needs, such as extensive heavy metal elimination or complex clinical pictures, a third and even fourth treatment session every 6 to 7 weeks can make sense. Your personal treatment plan will be drawn up by our doctors after a detailed consultation.
An INUSpherese® therapy, which consists of two treatments, accompanying infusion concepts and a preparatory medical consultation, is usually priced between €5,400 and €5,700. This cost information is intended to serve as a rough guide, as the exact investment can vary depending on your individual health condition and any additional therapy options. As part of the therapy planning, you will receive detailed advice and a detailed cost overview that is individually tailored to your health goals.