Goodpasture's Syndrome

Goodpasture's syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder. It causes inflammation of the filtering structures of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis), excessive bleeding into the lungs, and abnormally low levels of red blood cells (anemia).

Goodpasture's syndrome may cause respiratory or kidney failure. Symptoms include:

• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Fatigue.
• Chest pain.

Steroids and immunosuppressive medicines, such as cyclophosphamide, are used to treat respiratory problems caused by Goodpasture's syndrome. The kidney problems it causes are usually treated with plasma exchange therapy (plasmapheresis).