[Evaluation of the cost of managing systemic lupus erythematosus in Gabon]

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the cost of managing systemic lupus erythematosus in Gabon. Study was carried out from 01/2004 to 12/2007. All patients presenting at least 4 of the 11 diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were included. The total cost was calculated for the first year and from the second year. A total of 25 patients (24 women, 1 man) with a mean age of 29.6 years (range: 18 and 45) were included in the study. Care was provided by the patient her/himself (n = 8), parents (n = 11), or jointly by other relatives (n = 6). The average cost of accommodation was euro 769.6. Diagnostic review and impact cost were euro 53.3 and euro 58.6 respectively. Overall the average cost of hospitalization was euro 972.7. The total cost for the first year following diagnosis was 1398.6 for patients with the cutaneous-articular form of systemic lupus erythematousus and euro 1500.7 for patients with visceral forms. From the second year on, the annual cost was euro 261 for patients with the cutaneous-articular form and euro 534.7 for patients with visceral forms. Sixteen of the 25 patients were regularly re-examined as outpatients. Nine patients were lost to follow-up including 5 during the first year, 3 during the second year, and 1 during the third year. Two deaths occurred due to chronic renal failure and septic shock. This study shows that long-term follow-up for systemic lupus erythematosus in Gabon is difficult due to patient dropout.