Selena Gomez needed kidney surgery because she developed lupus nephritis, a serious complication of lupus, which led to kidney failure.
Understanding Lupus and Lupus Nephritis
- Lupus: An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs.
- Lupus Nephritis: Specifically targets the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage.
- It is one of the most common complications of lupus.
- According to Selena, it led to a "life or death" situation.
The Need for a Kidney Transplant
Gomez's doctors determined that due to the severity of lupus nephritis, she would need a kidney transplant because her kidneys were failing.
- Kidney Transplant: A surgical procedure to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor.
In Selena's case, her friend, Francia Raisa, donated a kidney to her.
| Issue | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lupus | Autoimmune disease attacking body tissues. |
| Lupus Nephritis | Lupus complication specifically affecting the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage. |
| Kidney Failure | Result of lupus nephritis, requiring a transplant to save her life. |
