Goodpasture Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Methods of Treatment

Goodpasture's syndrome is a fairly rare autoimmune disease that is accompanied by the production of atypical antibodies that attack lung and kidney cells. Such a disease affects mainly men aged 12 to 35 years. It is believed that patients have some genetic predisposition to such a violation.

Goodpasture Syndrome: Causes of Disease

Of course, the body of a sick person has a genetic predisposition to the disease. Nevertheless, there are factors that trigger an autoimmune reaction.

When the disease develops, the immune system produces antibodies that attack the basal membranes of the capillaries of the pulmonary alveoli and renal tubules. As a result of this process, capillaries are damaged and burst, causing internal hemorrhages and the corresponding symptoms.

For the first time such a disease was recorded in 1919. But to this day it is not known what exactly triggers the immune reaction of the body. There is an opinion that Goodpasture's syndrome is associated with infectious diseases. Sometimes the activation of the disease is caused by some chemicals and poisons. Several cases were recorded when the syndrome began to develop after taking medications.

Goodpasture Syndrome: Symptoms of Disease

As a rule, first there are symptoms from the respiratory system. The patient complains of pain in the chest, frequent coughing and shortness of breath during physical exertion. As the disease develops, hemoptysis begins. In the lungs you can hear wet or dry rattles. The patient may experience constant weakness and drowsiness. Sometimes there is a sharp weight loss due to a decrease in muscle mass. Contrary to popular belief, capillaries in the eyes are not affected by the disease.

Since mass small hemorrhages occur, the next symptom is anemia, or anemia. If you examine the patient, you can see that his skin is too pale. Cyanosis of mucous membranes is observed. In some cases, edema appears on the face. The temperature is usually increased.

Symptoms of kidney disease appear a little later. You can notice the allocation of a small amount of blood in the urine. Renal failure progresses quickly and is accompanied by its own symptoms.

Goodpasture Syndrome: Diagnostic Methods

In order to diagnose, the doctor should carefully examine the patient, read the results of the cardiogram and analyzes. In the general analysis of blood, iron deficiency anemia and an increased number of leukocytes, an increase in ESR, can be noted. A general urine test reveals a large amount of protein and red blood cells in the urine. It is necessary to investigate sputum, since it also reveals red blood cells. Spirography will also be useful, which will help detect violations of external respiration. Assign an ECG, a study of blood gases, an X-ray and a biopsy of damaged tissues, which makes it possible to put the final diagnosis.

Goodpasture Syndrome: treatment methods

In fact, the prognosis for such patients is unfavorable. And the most important thing here is to diagnose the disease in time and quickly begin treatment.

Unfortunately, there are no specific medicines for such a disease. But it is noticed that in most cases with adequate therapy the activity of the syndrome subsides for 6-9 months. If it is possible to stop the development of renal and pulmonary insufficiency, then the patient can survive. As a rule, doctors prescribe a series of corticosteroids. Plasmapheresis is carried out, if necessary - blood transfusion and even kidney transplantation. In order to stop the development of anemia and iron deficiency, prescribe the appropriate drugs. But sometimes, in the most severe cases, blood transfusion is required to eliminate anemia.