What is Goodpasture's Syndrome?

Goodpasture’s Syndrome: Autoimmune Attack on Kidneys and Lungs

Goodpasture’s syndrome, also known as “anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (anti-GBM disease)”, is a rare medical condition which comes under the autoimmune system where the body’s immune systems mistakenly attack the kidneys and lungs. Particularly, it leads to the autoantibodies production that targets protein in the basement membranes of lungs and kidneys. This further quickly results in inflammation and damage in these organs, ultimately leading to kidney failure and lung problems such as pulmonary haemorrhage. Goodpasture’s syndrome can occur at any age but shows two incidence peaks, early adulthood (20–30 years) and later life (>60 years). Some reports show a slight male predominance, but findings are not universally consistent.

What Causes Goodpasture Syndrome?

Medical professionals are not giving certainty regarding what exactly causes this autoimmune disorder. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to occur in genetically predisposed individuals (e.g., those with certain HLA types) after exposure to an environmental trigger, such as a viral infection or chemical exposure. It is not considered a directly inherited disorder.  

What are the common symptoms of Goodpasture's Syndrome?

The most common symptoms of Goodpasture’s syndrome are given below:

• Haemoptysis (lung haemorrhage)
• Haematuria (RPGN)
• Proteinuria
• Trouble in breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
• Chest pain
• Tiring easily (fatigue) or lack of energy
• Nausea
• Rattling lung sounds while breathing in
• High Blood Pressure
• Peeing less than usual

Burning urination is not a typical symptom of Goodpasture’s syndrome and usually suggests another condition such as a urinary tract infection. Over time, symptoms of kidney involvement may result in the haematuria (blood in your pee), proteinuria (protein in urine), and decline in blood cell count (anaemia).

When should I visit my healthcare professional?

In case your symptoms get worse or if new symptoms appear, let your health experts know right away. If it is left untreated, the syndrome can contribute to severe lung damage and kidney failure.

Diagnosis of Goodpasture's Syndrome

Your healthcare experts will ask your symptoms and perform the physical examination. Based on the analysis of your symptoms, they will ask for the tests to help in diagnosing Goodpasture syndrome. A few recommended tests are given below:

• Blood Test: Blood tests help to measure a patient’s estimated glomerular filtration rate, as they help in analysing how well the patient’s kidney is working.
• Pee Test: This can be beneficial in determining the high level of protein or presence of blood in your urine.
• Imaging Test: A CT scan or chest X-ray can determine in case you have lung damage.
• Kidney Biopsy: The doctor will remove a small sample of your kidney tissue to diagnose kidney disease.
• Bronchoscopy: Healthcare experts will use a bronchoscope (a long and thin tube with a light and camera at the end) to observe the lung damage.
• Kidney biopsy: A kidney biopsy typically shows crescentic glomerulonephritis with characteristic linear IgG deposition along the glomerular basement membrane on immunofluorescence.

How is Goodpasture's Syndrome treated?

Goodpasture syndrome treatment can vary depending on the level of disease severity. In addition, it also depends on your age, symptoms and general health. Healthcare professionals treat mild medical cases through medications, which include:

• Corticosteroids: These are preferred by healthcare providers to reduce inflammation and tissue damage in patients, which ultimately helps to control bleeding in the lungs.
• Immunosuppressant medicines: These medicines help to stop your immune system from making antibodies. It can also put you at a high chance of infection; therefore, you may also have prescribed antibiotics.
• Blood pressure medications: Helps to lower your blood pressure and suppress kidney damage.
• Plasmapheresis: This process involves removal of blood plasma from your body and filtration of harmful anti-GBM antibodies, and they are returned to your body. Plasmapheresis is usually combined with high-dose corticosteroids and immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide.

Possible Complications of Goodpasture’s syndrome

This disease condition can be fatal in case not quickly diagnosed and treated. Complications can develop even with correct treatment. The function of your kidney may reduce to the point of kidney failure. In case of kidney failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant will be needed immediately.

Can Goodpasture Syndrome be Prevented? 

There is no known way to prevent Goodpasture's syndrome. For individuals diagnosed with the condition, avoiding potential triggers like smoking and certain chemical exposures may help prevent flare-ups, but their role in causing the initial disease is not well-established. 

• Hydrocarbons such as methane, propane, gasoline, kerosene, tar and asphalt.
• Metal dust.
• Smoking.
• Cocaine.
• Hair-colouring products.
• Occupational exposure.

Additional Prevention Tips

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Manage stress.
• Regular check-ups.

Also Read:

→ Mirizzi Syndrome

→ Meaning of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

→ Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Syndrome (PMP)

→ Hyperferritinemia-Cataract Syndrome

→ Different Types of LAD Syndrome