The use of DFPP in the treatment of lipid disorders: hyperlipidemia , Lp (a), hypertriglyceridemia
DFPP (Double Filtration Plasmapheresis) is a modern, highly selective, and safe blood washing method that is increasingly used in treating lipid disorders, including familial hypercholesterolemia, elevated lipoprotein (a) levels, and hypertriglyceridemia. The procedure involves a selective removal of harmful lipid fractions from plasma while preserving beneficial blood components.
Who is it for?
DFPP treatment is recommended to patients with:
- familial hypercholesterolemia (type IIa and IIb ), especially when standard pharmacotherapy is ineffective or insufficient,
- high levels of lipoprotein (a) [ Lp (a)], considered an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes,
- treatment-resistant hypertriglyceridemia, who are at risk of acute pancreatitis or cardiovascular complications,
- some rare lipid storage diseases (e.g. Gaucher disease, Niemann-Pick disease).
How It Works
During the DFPP procedure, the patient’s blood flows through two filters:
- the first separates the plasma from the morphotic elements of the blood,
- the second filter selectively removes high molecular weight particles such as LDL (so-called “bad cholesterol”), Lp (a), and triglyceride-containing chylomicrons, leaving most of the beneficial plasma proteins and returning them to the body.
How does DFPP work in lipid disorders?
DFPP allows for a quick and effective reduction of the levels of:
- LDL cholesterol (especially in familial hypercholesterolemia),
- lipoprotein (a) – in cases of high concentration, difficult to treat pharmacologically,
- triglycerides – especially in cases resistant to diet and drug treatment
Clinical effects and benefits
- Significant reduction in lipid levels after the first treatment
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications (heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis)
- Reduction of hypertriglyceridemia symptoms and complications (e.g., reducing the risk of acute pancreatitis)
- Improving the quality of life and overall well-being of patients
Safety & Comfort
DFPP is a minimally invasive procedure thatdoes not require the use of donor plasma, andis performed in a comfortable outpatient setting The number of sessions is determined individually by the physician, depending on the patient’s health status and therapeutic goals, however most patients experience improvement after the first procedure.
