Goodpasture's syndrome
Key points
- Goodpasture's syndrome is a form of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, which involves a progressive decrease in the kidney's ability to function properly, accompanied by a cough with bloody sputum.
- In Goodpasture's syndrome, antibodies collect in both the kidney glomerulus and the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, causing both glomerulonephritis and bleeding in the lungs.
- While listening with a stethoscope during a physical examination, the doctor may notice signs of fluid buildup due to bleeding in the lungs.
- Treatment is focused on slowing progression of the disease.
Alternative names
Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody disease; Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with pulmonary hemorrhage; Pulmonary renal syndrome; Glomerulonephritis - pulmonary hemorrhage
Definition
Goodpasture's syndrome is a form of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, which involves a progressive decrease in the kidney's ability to function properly, accompanied by a cough with bloody sputum.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
In Goodpasture's syndrome, antibodies collect in both the kidney glomerulus and the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, causing both glomerulonephritis and bleeding in the lungs.
The exact cause is unknown. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means that immune cells attack the body's own organs, causing inflammation. Sometimes the disorder is triggered by a viral respiratory infection or by inhalation of hydrocarbon solvents. In such cases, the immune system may attack organs or tissues because it mistakes them for these viruses or foreign chemicals.
There is an inherited predisposition for Goodpasture's syndrome and researchers believe that the gene or genes involved affect the way the immune system reacts to certain invaders, increasing the likelihood mistaken identity in the lungs and kidneys.
Antibody deposits in the lungs cause bleeding within the lung tissues, resulting in the bloody sputum, which may be one of the first symptoms of the disorder. Other early symptoms include protein and blood in the urine. The condition progresses rapidly to kidney failure. Iron deficiency anemia may be present, as well as anemia associated with renal failure, and may be worse than expected considering the amount of kidney damage.
Symptoms
- Bloody urine
- Dark colored urine
- Decreased urine output
- Foamy urine
- Cough with bloody sputum (coughing up blood)
- Difficulty breathing after exertion
- Weakness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Nonspecific chest pain
- Pale skin
Signs and tests
While listening with a stethoscope during a physical examination, the doctor may notice signs of fluid buildup due to bleeding in the lungs. Blood pressure may be high. The body may develop swelling as kidney function deteriorates. A skin rash may be observed in some cases.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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