Goodpasture Syndrome
Alternate Names : Anti-GBM Antibody Disease
What are the treatments for the disease?
Some of the treatments for Goodpasture syndrome include the following:
plasma exchange, or plasmapheresis. This is a procedure in which the abnormal antibodies, along with other blood proteins, are filtered out of the blood. There are then fewer of these antibodies to cause damage to the kidneys and the lungs.
steroids to treat inflammation in the lungs and kidneys
immunosuppressive medications, such as cyclophosphamide, to stop the white blood cells from making abnormal antibodies
If there is complete kidney failure, dialysis may be necessary. This is a procedure in which a machine filters the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to do so.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
The side effects depend on the treatment used.
Plasmapheresis may remove proteins that help the blood clot. This can lead to bleeding.
Steroids and cyclophosphamide suppress the body's immune system. This means that the person is more at risk for infections.
Cyclophosphamide can sometimes cause bleeding from the bladder. Drinking large amounts of fluids reduces this risk.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Even after it has been treated, Goodpasture syndrome can sometimes occur again. If a person needs dialysis when he or she is first treated, chances are that the kidney damage cannot be corrected.
How is the disease monitored?
The healthcare provider should be contacted right away if there is blood in the urine or if the person coughs up blood. Regular urinalysis will be done to check for protein and blood in the urine. Kidney function tests and antibody titer tests will be done periodically to monitor kidney function and antibody formation.
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