Urological Disorders

Goodpasture Syndrome

What is Goodpasture syndrome?

Goodpasture syndrome is a rare, autoimmune disease that can affect the lungs and kidneys. Normally, the immune system creates cells, called antibodies, to fight off germs. In Goodpasture syndrome, the immune system makes antibodies that attack the lungs and kidneys, instead of the germs. This condition may last anywhere from a few weeks to as long as 2 years.

What causes Goodpasture syndrome?

Goodpasture syndrome may be an inherited condition, or may develop as a result of a combination of factors.

What are the symptoms of Goodpasture syndrome?

Individual responses to Goodpasture syndrome vary. Consult your physician if you are experiencing any/all of the following:

fatigue
nausea
dyspnea (difficult breathing)
pallor

As the condition progresses, other signs may occur, including:

coughing up blood
feeling a burning sensation when urinating

Eventually, these signs may be followed by signs of kidney involvement, including:

small amounts of blood in the urine
protein excretion in the urine
other clinical and laboratory findings

How is Goodpasture syndrome diagnosed?

A blood test is often used to diagnose Goodpasture syndrome, but a kidney biopsy may be necessary to check for the presence of the harmful antibody.

How Goodpasture syndrome may be treated?

Consult your physician regarding the best treatment option for your condition and symptoms. In some cases, Goodpasture syndrome is treated with:

immunosuppressive drugs - to keep the immune system from making antibodies.
corticosteroids - to control bleeding in the lungs.
a process called plasmapheresis, usually done in combination with the steroid treatment - to filter any harmful antibodies from the blood.

This page was last updated on: February 28, 2008.

For more information, call the University Physicians Consultation and Referral Service at 1-800-492-5538 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 (physicians).