MDLinxA Common Cholesterol Treatment May Also Remove PFAS and Microplastics from Blood

⚠️ Small Study / Early Comparative Evidence

Researchers measured environmental pollutants before and after therapeutic apheresis performed for severe lipid disorders. The primary analysis included 14 patients, with separate microplastic measurements in four.

Clinical Considerations

• Four measured PFAS declined by up to 25% immediately after double-filtration plasmapheresis.
• A separate four-patient analysis reported larger PFAS reductions, but differing methods prevent direct comparison.
• Polyethylene declined consistently, while other microplastic polymers showed variable or increased post-procedure concentrations.
• The study did not establish durability, total-body pollutant reduction, health benefits, or clinical safety for this purpose.

Practice Applications

• Recognize apheresis remains indicated for established clinical conditions, not environmental “detox.”
• Interpret post-procedure blood concentrations as transient circulating measurements.
• Avoid extrapolating filter retention to reduced tissue burden or improved outcomes.
• Monitor controlled studies using standardized PFAS and microplastic measurements.