User:Mr. Ibrahem/Goodpasture syndrome

Goodpasture syndrome (GPS), also known as anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, is a disease that involves the kidneys and lungs. Symptom may include blood in the urine, protein in the urine, and coughing up blood. Shortness of breath, tiredness, and chest pain may also occur. Acute kidney failure may result.

It is believed to occur following an environmental trigger in people who are genetically susceptible. Risk factors include HLA-DR15. Triggers may include certain medications, cocaine, smoking, and infection by influenza. The underlying mechanism involves autoantibodies against the basement membrane. The diagnosis may be confirmed by blood testing looking for specific antibodies or a kidney biopsy.

Treatment is generally with medications that suppress the immune system such as corticosteroids or cyclophosphamide. Plasmapheresis may be done daily to remove antibodies from the blood. Other required efforts may include hemodialysis or mechanical ventilation. With treatment the 5-year survival rate is greater than 80% and less than 30% require long term dialysis.

Goodpasture syndrome is a rare, affecting about one in a million people per year. Males are more commonly affected than females. Those around the age of 25 are most commonly affected. It is named after the American pathologist Ernest Goodpasture who first described the condition in 1919.