An antibody refers to a type of protein made in the body to defend the body against infection. This may be a bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection. Sometimes, these antibodies can go on overdrive and lead to an autoimmune disease in which they attack a certain organ or system such as the kidneys or blood. Unfortunately, antibody diseases may develop, so it is important to be aware of them.
Goodpasture Syndrome
Goodpasture syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies attack a part of the kidneys called the glomerular basement membrane, a thin tissue lining the small filtering structures of the kidney. Goodpasture syndrome occurs during early adulthood and is found in men eight times more than women according to MedlinePlus.
Symptoms of Goodpasture's syndrome include fatigue, weakness, a loss of appetite, a cough (may cough up blood), swelling, pale skin, bloody urine, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting.
Treatment for Goodpasture syndrome involves using a technique called plasmaphoresis to remove the antibodies from the blood. Also, corticosteroid medications can be used to decrease the activity of the immune system. Sometimes, kidney transplantation may be necessary if the kidney is undergoing kidney failure.
Left untreated, Goodpasture syndrome may lead to lung failure, chronic kidney disease, lung failure or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
Idiopathic Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a medical problem in which antibodies attack a person's red blood cells. MedlinePlus states that symptoms of idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia include dark urine, an enlarged spleen, pale skin, a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and yellowing of the skin.
Treatment for idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia include taking a steroid medication called prednisone. Sometimes, the spleen may need to be removed (splenectomy). Medications such as cyclophosphamide or rituximab may be used to weaken the immune system if steroids or a splenectomy do not work.
An infection or anemia (low red blood cell count) can result if idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is not treated.
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a condition in which antibodies attack the cells and tissues in the body. Specifically, the antibodies attack the phospholipid component (fat) of of the cells. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that antiphospholipid antibody syndrome can be asymptomatic in some people. However, this disease can predispose someone to a heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Also, this disease can lead to frequent miscarriages or preeclampsia, a condition in which pregnant women suffer from extremely high blood pressure. Also, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome sufferers are prone to thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels). This can lead to easy bleeding or bruising.
Unfortunately, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome has no cure but blood thinner medications called anticoagulants can be used to prevent it. The anticoagulants warfarin or heparin are often prescribed. Treatment also consists of managing preeclampsia and thrombocytopenia individually. Preeclampsia is treated by delivering the baby and thrombocytopenia is treated with an infusion of platelets.
