The association between hydrocarbon exposure and anti‐glomerular basement membrane antibody‐mediated disease (Goodpasture's syndrome)

Despite numerous reports suggesting a relationship between hydrocarbon exposure and Goodpasture's syndrome, the nature of this association is still undefined. The present review was motivated by a patient with Goodpasture's syndrome who wondered if his illness was employment related. The patient had been working in an automobile servicing garage, where he was in frequent contact with a wide array of hydrocarbon solvents. Previous reports linking hydrocarbon exposure to Goodpasture's syndrome and anti-GBM antibody-mediated nephritis are analysed. A total of seventeen papers presenting 31 patient with hydrocarbon exposure and anti-GBM antibody-mediated disease are reviewed. The results suggest a causal relationship. Specific hydrocarbons implicated as potential toxins are listed, epidemiologic data are reviewed, and the association with cigarette smoking is discussed.