Efficiency of Extracorporeal Blood Purification in Food Allergies

Abstract

Food allergies can result in persistent and systemic hypersensitivity reactions that are often resistant to standard treatment methods. This study aimed to assess the clinical and immunological effectiveness of extracorporeal blood purification (EBP) in patients with refractory food allergies. A total of 42 patients with confirmed food allergies underwent three sessions of EBP using plasmapheresis and hemosorption. Significant reductions were observed in symptom severity, total serum IgE, eosinophil counts, histamine, and C-reactive protein levels. Quality of life improved notably as assessed by the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire – Adult Form (FAQLQ-AF). The treatment was well-tolerated, with only minor adverse effects. These results suggest that EBP may serve as a valuable adjunct therapy for food allergy patients who fail to respond to elimination diets and conventional pharmacotherapy.

Introduction

I. Introduction

Food allergies are an increasing global health issue, often causing systemic or persistent symptoms despite elimination diets and medication. In severe or treatment-resistant cases, extracorporeal blood purification (EBP)—which removes allergens, IgE, and inflammatory mediators from the blood—has shown promise as an adjunct therapy. However, its use in food allergy management remains underexplored.

II. Method

This prospective interventional study included 42 adults (ages 18–55) with confirmed food allergies who experienced ongoing symptoms despite standard treatments. Over a 12-month period, each patient received three EBP sessions using plasmapheresis and hemosorption, spaced 5 days apart. Clinical and immunological data were collected before the first and 7 days after the final session.

Primary outcome measures included:

• Symptom severity (Visual Analogue Scale - VAS)

• Total serum IgE

• Eosinophil count

• Histamine and CRP levels

• Quality of life (FAQLQ-AF questionnaire)

III. Results

• Symptom relief: Mean VAS score decreased from 7.6 to 3.2 (p < 0.001).

• Quality of life: FAQLQ-AF scores improved significantly (5.4 to 2.7; p < 0.001).

• Immunological markers:

  • IgE: ↓ from 548 to 319 IU/mL (p < 0.01)

  • Eosinophils: ↓ from 410 to 246 cells/μL (p < 0.01)

  • Histamine: ↓ from 18.3 to 11.1 ng/mL (p < 0.01)

  • CRP: ↓ from 4.7 to 2.9 mg/L (p = 0.02)

• Correlation: Strong link between IgE reduction and symptom improvement (r = 0.68, p < 0.01).

• Patient feedback:

  • 85.7% were satisfied or very satisfied.

  • 76.2% reported faster symptom relief than with conventional therapy.

  • Minor side effects (e.g., transient hypotension, fatigue) occurred in 9.5% but resolved without intervention.

IV. Discussion

The study found that EBP significantly reduces allergic symptoms and inflammatory markers in patients with persistent food allergies. The procedure appears to help by removing circulating immune triggers (like IgE and histamine), reducing the immune system’s overreaction.

Key takeaways:

• Effective even when standard therapies fail.

• Improves both clinical symptoms and quality of life.

• Safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.

• May provide psychological relief by reducing fear of exposure and dietary stress.

However, limitations include the small sample size, short follow-up, and single-centre design. Long-term efficacy, optimal treatment frequency, and cost-effectiveness still need to be evaluated.

Conclusion

Extracorporeal blood purification shows strong potential as a safe and effective adjunct treatment for severe or treatment-resistant food allergies. It improves symptoms, quality of life, and immune markers, supporting its future use in multimodal allergy management. Further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits and practical implementation strategies.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Nasimov Javokhir Kamilovich, Shomuradova Nasiba Khamdamovna, Madasheva Anajan Gazkhanovna. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.