Goodpasture's syndrome--effects of plasmapheresis

Two patients with Goodpasture's syndrome, who underwent plasmapheresis are presented. One patient received prednisone but the other patient received no concomitant cytotoxic therapy. Results indicate that plasmapheresis reduces morbidity in patients with Goodpasture's syndrome. The possible mode of action of plasmapheresis is discussed. The use of cytotoxic therapy as an adjunct to plasmapheresis may not be necessary since the anti-GBM production appears to be a self-limiting process.