Goodpasture syndrome: recovery after severe renal insufficiency

A 22-year-old woman developed the sudden onset of cough, dyspnea, blood-tinged sputum, and bilateral fluffy infiltrates on her chest x-ray film, together with severe iron deficiency anemia. Urinalysis initially revealed normal values, but gross hematuria developed on the 12th day. Linear deposits of IgG and C3 were present in the GBM; circulating anti-GBM antibodies were also observed initially but had disappeared 13 months later. Hemodialysis was performed because of oliguria and a rising serum creatinine value. She subsequently had a diuresis; 18 months later, the creatinine clearance was 63 ml/min. The anti-GBM antibody response appears to be transient, lasting only a few months, so that if the patient survives the initial insult, stabilization and even some recovery may ensue. Had this patient undergone immediate nephrectomy as part of her initial therapy, the observed favorable outcome would have been denied.