Economic burden of lupus nephritis is substantial

The economic burden of lupus nephritis (LN) is substantial especially when patients have active or severe disease or when they progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), according to a study. Given the difficulty of diagnosing LN, the total direct cost may be underestimated.

Researchers conducted a systematic literature review including publications reporting cost or healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) data in patients with LN.

Of the 22 studies identified, 19 reported the cost and 13 reported HCRU associated with LN. Thirteen of the studies were from North America.

Direct costs, total indirect costs, and HCRU were substantially higher in patients with LN compared with patients without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or non-renal SLE controls.

None of the studies analyzed described the costs associated with renal flares.

Reference
Thompson JC, Mahajan A, Scott DA, et al. The Economic Burden of Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Literature Review. Rheumatol Ther. 2021;https://doi.org/10.1007/s40744-021-00368-y