Treatment:

The main goal is to remove the circulating antibodies from the blood. An early diagnosis is very important. The patient's outlook is much worse if the kidneys are already severely damaged when treatment begins.

Plasmapheresis is a procedure where blood plasma is removed from the circulation and replaced by fluid, protein, or donated plasma. This helps to make sure that harmful antibodies are removed.

Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents (such as prednisone or cyclophosphamide) may be needed.

If kidney failure becomes severe, dialysis may be needed to substitute for the kidney's normal functioning.

Kidney transplantation may be performed in patients who suffer irreversible loss of kidney function. The nephrologist (a specialist physician) would usually wait for the levels of circulating anti-GBM antibodies to drop before proceeding with the transplant.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook varies. Early diagnosis and treatment tend to have better outcomes.

Complications:

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

Calling your health care provider:

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.