Lupus worse for young African American women
Posted by staff / October 28, 2013 Emory UniversityLupusLupus is an unpredictable and often misunderstood chronic autoimmune disease that can ravage different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, hard to live with, and a challenge to treat. Lupus has a range of symptoms, strikes without warning, and has no known cause and no known cure. Its health effects can range from a skin rash to a heart attack or kidney failure.
In a recent study, black women had very high rates of lupus, says S. Sam Lim, associate professor of rheumatology at Emory University School of Medicine. “These are young women in the prime of their careers, family, and fertility. This means a severely compromised future with a disease that waxes and wanes, affecting every aspect of daily living for the rest of their lives.”
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Why does it only effects black women?