Goodpasture syndrome

Abstract

This syndrome is most common in men between ages 20 and 30 and although is unusual in childhood, cases in children have been reported. We report a 16-years-old girl who was admitted to the hospital because of fever, cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea. Six months ago the girl was treated for Pneumonia presenting with coughing up bright red blood sputum. The patient has been smoking for 2 years. On physical examination the girl was pale, with clinical features of respiratory failure. Her blood pressure was 120/65mmHg. Laboratory tests were performed. Anemia was observed to iron deficiency, elevated ESR, leucocytosis, elevated blood urea /12.1 mmol/l/, urinalysis revealed albuminuria 1 +, macroscopic hematuria and 15 red cell per field in sedi ment. Sputum investigations for haemosiderosis were nega tive. Serologic assays for anti-GBM antibodies were strongly positive; additional tests showed no evidence of ANCA or ANA; C3-normal value. Chest radiograph showed parenchymal consolidations bilateral, bibasilar/fig.1/. Spirometry revealed restriction. A biopsy of kidney and diagnostic bronchoscopy were not performed because of parents'refusal.We started immunosuppressive treatment with Endoxan i.v. The general condition got better, there was no anemia and urine got normal three weeks after using Endoxan; controlled X-ray of lungs was normal; controlled spirometry-normal. The observation continues.