In Goodpasture's syndrome, what is the typical treatment?

Goodpasture's syndrome is an autoimmune condition characterized by the presence of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies, which can lead to rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. The typical treatment aims to suppress the immune response that is causing damage to the kidneys and lungs.

The use of steroids and cyclophosphamide represents a standard therapeutic approach because corticosteroids reduce inflammation and immune activity, while cyclophosphamide, an immunosuppressant, helps to further dampen the autoimmune response. This combination is effective in preventing further damage to the glomeruli and the lungs, improving patient outcomes.

In this context, antibiotics, beta-blockers, and diuretics do not address the underlying autoimmune pathology of Goodpasture's syndrome. Antibiotics would be utilized if there were a concurrent infection but do not treat the autoimmune mechanism. Beta-blockers are primarily used for cardiovascular conditions and have no relation to the treatment of Goodpasture's syndrome. Diuretics could help manage fluid overload due to renal insufficiency, but they do not target the underlying cause of the syndrome.

Thus, the correct choice of treatment for Goodpasture's syndrome is the combination of steroids and cyclophosphamide, as it specifically