This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
Kim Kardashian's health concerns took center stage on the latest episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The reality TV star revealed she's been experiencing symptoms of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, including numbness in her hands and wrists.
Kim suspected she might be pregnant, but a pregnancy test was negative. She then saw a doctor, who suspected rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects joints, including those in the hands and feet.
Kim's doctor ordered some blood work, and the results showed that her antibodies were positive for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. However, the doctor noted that this could be a false positive, and Kim scheduled a follow-up appointment to get ultrasound scans on her hands and joints.
Kim's diagnosis is still uncertain, but her doctor says that further testing is needed to determine the cause of her symptoms. According to the National Institutes of Health, there is no single test to diagnose lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and a doctor will typically look at a patient's medical history, do a physical exam, and take samples from their blood, skin, or kidneys for lab tests.
Dr. Lynn Ludmer, medical director of The Department of Rheumatology at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center, says that Kim's antibodies are not typically seen in healthy people but can be present in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. However, they can also be seen with some viral infections, and symptoms really matter in determining the cause of the antibodies.
Dr. Orrin Troum, a rheumatologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., agrees that further evaluation is needed to determine the cause of Kim's symptoms. He notes that some of the antibodies seen in lupus cases can also be seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, so this is not rare.
Kim's health concerns have sparked a lot of interest, and many are wondering what her diagnosis will be. While the results of her tests are uncertain, one thing is clear: Kim's health is a top priority, and she will do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of her symptoms.
How are lupus and rheumatoid arthritis usually diagnosed? ¶
According to the National Institutes of Health, there is no single test to diagnose lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, a doctor will typically look at a patient's medical history, do a physical exam, and take samples from their blood, skin, or kidneys for lab tests.
