Selena Gomez needed a kidney transplant because she has lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that caused severe damage to her kidneys. Lupus can cause the immune system to attack the body's own organs, including the kidneys, leading to kidney failure or lupus nephritis, which ultimately necessitated the transplant. Her close friend, actress Francia Raisa, donated a kidney to her in 2017, which greatly helped her health and put her lupus into remission for some time.
Why the Kidney Transplant Was Needed
- Lupus caused significant kidney damage, a common complication in about 60-90% of lupus patients.
- Damage to the kidneys from lupus can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant.
- Gomez's lupus-related kidney injury became severe enough that her overall health required a transplant.
Additional Context on Lupus and Kidney Impact
- Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and damage across various organs such as joints, skin, heart, and kidneys.
- Kidney involvement in lupus is called lupus nephritis, often causing symptoms like swelling, fatigue, and kidney function impairment.
- Gomez revealed publicly her lupus diagnosis in 2015 and has been open about the challenges of managing both the disease and its mental health impacts.
Transplant Details
- The kidney transplant occurred in 2017.
- Francia Raisa, a close friend, was the living donor who gave Gomez a kidney—a rare and generous gift.
- The transplant significantly improved Gomez's condition and quality of life, although lupus remains a chronic illness needing ongoing management.
In summary, Selena Gomez needed a kidney transplant due to lupus-induced kidney damage, and the transplant was vital to preserve her health and manage the effects of this autoimmune disease. This experience has also helped raise public awareness about lupus and organ donation.
