Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody disease; Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with pulmonary hemorrhage; Pulmonary renal syndrome; Glomerulonephritis - pulmonary hemorrhage

The main goal is to remove the antibodies from the blood. A treatment called plasmapheresis removes blood from the body and replaces it with fluid, protein, or donated plasma. The removal of antibodies may reduce inflammation in the kidney tissues.

Corticosteroids (like prednisone) and other drugs that suppress or quiet the immune system may be used.

Controlling blood pressure is the most important measure to delay kidney damage. Medicines may be given to control high blood pressure. They include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

You may be told to limit salt and fluids to control swelling. A low to moderate protein diet may be recommended in some cases.

If kidney failure becomes severe, dialysis may be needed.

Persons with this condition should be closely watched for signs of kidney failure. Dialysis may be needed.

Kidney transplantation may be need if you have permanent loss of kidney function. The transplant is usually not done until the level of antibodies drop.

An early diagnosis is very important. The patient's outlook is much worse if the kidneys are already severely damaged when treatment begins. Lung damage can range from mild to severe.

Many patients will require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

• Chronic kidney disease
• End-stage kidney disease
• Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
• Lung failure
• Severe pulmonary hemorrhage (lung bleeding)

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if the amount of urine you produce drops, or if you have any other symptoms of Goodpasture syndrome.

Images

Kidney blood supply

Previous Section

Goodpasture syndrome Symptoms

Next Section

Goodpasture syndrome Prevention

Review Date: 08/13/2009
Reviewed By: Parul Patel, MD, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology and Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Transplantation, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)