Hospital Healthcare Resource Utilization and Associated Hospital Costs of Patients With Lupus Nephritis in China: A...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Rheumatology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Understanding healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs associated with LN in China is crucial for resource allocation and patient management.
• The impact of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on HCRU and costs in LN patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare hospital HCRU and costs for patients with LN in China against a broader SLE cohort.
• To explore the additional impact of ESKD on HCRU and costs among patients with LN.
• To provide data supporting early diagnosis and management strategies for LN in China.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of administrative claims data from China.
• Identification of patients with SLE and LN using diagnosis codes and keywords.
• Subcategorization of LN patients based on the presence of ESKD; analysis of all-cause and disease-specific HCRU and medical costs.

Main Results:

• A total of 3645 SLE patients were included, with 404 (11%) diagnosed with LN; 142 (35%) of LN patients had ESKD.
• Patients with LN exhibited significantly higher healthcare visits per patient per month (PPPM) (2.08) compared to the SLE cohort (0.92) (P < .0001).
• Median all-cause costs PPPM were substantially greater for LN patients ($287.46) versus SLE patients ($113.09) (P < .0001); ESKD further increased these metrics.

Conclusions:

• Chinese patients with LN demonstrate significantly higher HCRU and healthcare costs compared to the general SLE population.
• The presence of ESKD exacerbates the HCRU and economic burden in patients with LN.
• These findings highlight the critical need for early LN diagnosis and prompt management to alleviate the substantial economic impact.