Goodpasture syndrome causes

There are no known direct causes for Goodpasture syndrome. Common risk factors for Goodpasture syndrome are viral or bacterial infections and certain environmental and behavioral risk factors such as smoking, hydrocarbons, formaldehyde and cocaine use.

Goodpasture syndrome is an autoimmune condition and is seen in individuals with susceptible HLA subtypes who when exposed certain environmental stimuli leads to autoantibody production. Goodpasture syndrome may be caused by either viral or bacterial infections, occupational, environmental or behavioral risk factors.^[1][2]

Viral and bacterial risk factors causing Goodpasture syndrome

It is not clear how viral or bacterial infections play a role in Goodpasture syndrome. However, any injury to the lungs can lead to disruption of alveolar blood vessels and increased exposure of autoantibodies to alveolar basement membrane. It is presumed that certain infections such as the influenza virus may play a role in the development of Goodpasture syndrome from cross-reactivity in the basement membrane.^[3]

Occupational, Environmental and Behavioral risk factors causing Goodpasture syndrome^[2][4][5]

Occupational, environmental and behavioral risk factors that cause Goodpasture syndrome include:

• Smoking tobacco
• Volatile hydrocarbons
• Exposure to organic solvents
• Upper respiratory tract infections (such as influenza)
• Immunosuppressive drugs (such as alemtuzumab)
• Cocaine
• Silicosis
• Mineral dust
• D-penicillamine

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