Goodpasture syndrome

[Sommer]

Goodpasture syndrome, a subtype of pulmonary-renal syndrome, is an autoimmune syndrome consisting of alveolar hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis caused by circulating anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies. Goodpasture syndrome most often develops in genetically susceptible people who smoke cigarettes, but hydrocarbon inhalation exposure and viral respiratory infections are additional possible triggers. Symptoms are dyspnea, cough, fatigue, hemoptysis, and hematuria. Goodpasture syndrome is suspected in patients with hemoptysis or hematuria and is confirmed by the presence of anti-GBM antibodies in the blood or in a renal biopsy specimen. Prognosis is good when treatment is begun before onset of respiratory or renal failure. Treatment includes plasma exchange, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants, such as cyclophosphamide .
(See also Pulmonary-Renal Syndrome.)