Why Selena Gomez Needed a Kidney Transplant: Understanding Lupus Nephritis

When Selena Gomez revealed she had undergone a kidney transplant, fans were stunned. The singer and actor, known for being open about her health, shared that her transplant was due to lupus nephritis. It is a serious kidney complication caused by lupus. Her immune system had mistakenly attacked her own organs, damaging her kidneys beyond repair. 

Fortunately, her friend and fellow actor Francia Raisa donated her kidney, helping Selena recover and raise awareness about the autoimmune condition. Read ahead to know more about the condition. 

What Exactly Is Lupus Nephritis?

Lupus nephritis is a type of kidney inflammation linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. In one of our previous articles, Dr Ashwathy Haridas, Consultant Nephrology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, explained, “Lupus nephritis happens when lupus starts affecting the kidneys, leading to inflammation that reduces their ability to filter waste from the blood.”

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Lupus Nephritis Symptoms 

Dr Haridas lists down a few symptoms of Lupus Nephritis

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes
• Foamy urine (a sign of protein leakage)
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue and unexplained weight gain

If not treated on time, it can lead to kidney failure, which may require dialysis or a transplant—just as in Selena Gomez’s case.

What Causes Lupus Nephritis

Dr Haridas explains that lupus nephritis develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks kidney cells, forming immune complexes that cause inflammation.

Some common risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Certain viral infections
• Hormonal changes or chronic stress
• Some medications

“Women between 15 and 45 years are more prone to lupus than men, which makes lupus nephritis a significant concern in younger women,” adds Dr. Haridas.

Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose lupus nephritis using blood and urine tests, imaging scans, and sometimes a kidney biopsy to confirm the extent of damage. Treatment aims to control inflammation and calm the overactive immune system through:

• Corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medicines
• Lifestyle adjustments, such as eating a low-sodium diet and managing stress
• Regular kidney function monitoring

Dr Haridas says, “Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further kidney damage. Patients should avoid self-medication and follow a doctor’s advice closely.”

According to a study, Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), affecting 25-60 % of patients with SLE. It often develops within five years of an SLE diagnosis, and in many cases is the first manifestation that leads to the recognition of SLE. If left unchecked, LN can progress to irreversible kidney failure and cause substantial morbidity and mortality.

Selena’s Story and Its Impact

Selena Gomez has been vocal about her health journey and the mental toll of living with lupus. By speaking publicly, she has helped break the stigma around chronic illnesses and inspired many to seek medical help and emotional support. Her experience shows that early diagnosis and treatment can make a world of difference.

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Conclusion

Lupus nephritis is serious but manageable with early intervention. Paying attention to symptoms, getting regular check-ups, and following medical guidance can protect kidney health. Selena Gomez’s story serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of caring for one’s body, no matter how busy life gets.