Treatment Options For Goodpasture Syndrome

Goodpasture syndrome is a rare, debilitating autoimmune disease. An afflicted immune system creates antibodies that fight against the collagen found in the kidneys and lungs. Rather than being an 'invading' substance, collagen is a harmless and essential protein that's part of connective tissue. Because of the detrimental effect on the kidneys and lungs, Goodpasture syndrome tends to be fatal if it isn't caught and treated early. There are a variety of treatments for Goodpasture syndrome to help with symptoms, many of which are used to treat other autoimmune diseases as well. Rather than being a lifelong ailment, Goodpasture syndrome lasts anywhere from a few weeks to two years.

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Oral Immunosuppressants

One of the most common components of Goodpasture syndrome treatment will be the use of oral immunosuppressants. These medications suppress the function of a patient's immune system, which causes the immune system to create fewer harmful antibodies. However, suppressing the immune system can cause complications, especially if the patient has an infection. Immunosuppressants are a first-line treatment for many autoimmune diseases, including Goodpasture syndrome. Autoimmune diseases are caused by the immune system mistakenly identifying a harmless part of the body as an intruder. The system then creates antibodies, which results in the body attacking itself. Even though the immune system is supposed to protect the body from disease and general harm, suppressing it may be the only way to save the lives of patients with Goodpasture syndrome. In addition to treating autoimmune disease, immunosuppressants help prevent bodies from rejecting organ transplants and can also be used as a form of chemotherapy for cancer patients.

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Intravenous Corticosteroids

In many cases, Goodpasture syndrome isn't diagnosed until the symptoms become life-threatening. Before the lungs begin bleeding and the kidneys start to shut down, the main symptom of Goodpasture syndrome is fatigue. Because the syndrome is so rare, and since fatigue is a symptom of countless conditions, it's uncommon for Goodpasture syndrome to be diagnosed early enough to avoid progression. If a patient's lungs are bleeding, intravenous corticosteroids may be a necessary measure. Corticosteroids are fast-acting, anti-inflammatory drugs. Since they calm inflammation throughout the body, these medications are prescribed for multiple different diseases with flareups. Corticosteroids can't be used to prevent the lungs from bleeding, but they can be used to control bleeding that already exists. Intravenous use is done in emergency cases when the effect needs to occur immediately. After the patient's condition has stabilized, most medical professionals recommend stopping the use of the corticosteroids for as long as possible.

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