Lady Gaga … Lupus?
During a recent interview with Q and A “king” – Larry King, Lady Gaga’s health, and susceptibility to a certain disease was brought into question. Not wanting to mix words, King blatantly asked Gaga if she suffered from a condition known as “lupus.” In surprising, un-Hollywood form, Lady Gaga stated that: 1. she has been tested for the condition, 2. she has a genetic pre-disposition to lupus, 3. she currently displays no lupus symptoms, 4. she tested “borderline positive” for the disease.
So, what does all this mean?
First, lupus (formally known as systemic lupus erythematosus) is an auto-immune disease, which essentially means lupus is a condition where the body’s immune system (the aspect of our bodies that identifies bad, foreign objects and destroys them – a.k.a. fights disease) malfunctions, and attacks healthy tissues. In the case of lupus, the immune system attacks the skin, joints, kidneys, and several other organs. The most common symptoms of lupus are joint pain and arthritis, specifically in the fingers, hands, wrists, and knees. Lupus can occur in different systems at once or in one area at a time. Since it is an auto-immune disorder, lupus, in the case of Lady Gaga, is most likely genetic.
So, what does a “borderline” positive lupus result mean? Well, lupus is diagnosis by observing a number of characteristics. Out of a possible eleven signs of the disease, demonstrating four lupus characteristics results in a positive diagnosis. So, I would assume that a “borderline” positive diagnosis means Lady Gaga demonstrated several of these characteristics (three, maybe even four?), but not enough for a definite yes or no.
Currently, there is no cure for lupus, and the disease is fought on an individualized basis. The real risks are associated with reactions in crucial organ systems (kidneys, heart), so hopefully Gaga will remain healthy, and any potential attacks will occur in small, manageable areas (or not at all!).
Well, I wish Gaga all the best! Chances are, she’ll remain healthy and continue her antics …
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