New insights on Goodpasture's syndrome

Goodpasture's Syndrome is a rare illness that is often difficult to diagnose because of the large number of disease entities that can produce similar symptoms. With the discovery of antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies and antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies, plus the means to readily test for them, it is now possible to make an accurate and more rapid diagnosis of Goodpasture's Syndrome than has been possible in the past. Characteristics of Goodpasture's Syndrome include diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage, interstitial lung disease, anemia, and glomerulonephritis. Because of the potential for life-threatening and rapidly progressive pulmonary hemorrhage, renal failure, or both, early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are imperative. Since the possibility of preserving renal function is minute if the renal disease is far advanced at the time of diagnosis, early intervention is crucial. Nursing care centered around the actual and potential problems that these patients experience is vital for preserving life and function.