Treatment of Goodpasture Syndrome
Once diagnosed, you will need treatment as soon as possible to decrease your risk of complications. Goodpasture syndrome is a life-threatening condition. It requires hospitalization, which often includes treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU).
Treatments involve medications that slow down your immune system. These may include one or more of the following:
Immunosuppressive or cytoxic drugs keep your immune system from making the antibodies that damage your lungs and kidneys (one example is cyclophosphamide).
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone (Rayos), which decrease inflammation as well as suppress your immune system.
A treatment called plasmapheresis may be needed to filter out harmful antibodies in your blood. During this procedure, blood is withdrawn, and the liquid portion (plasma) is removed and replaced. The filtered blood is transferred back into your body.
Other treatments depend on your age, overall health, and the severity of the disease. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications to control fluid buildup and high blood pressure. In addition to medication, dietary changes such as cutting down on salt intake can help control swelling and blood pressure.