Increase in direct costs for health systems due to lupus nephritis: the case of Colombia

OBJECTIVE: Lupus nephritis is one of the most severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus and it has been estimated that can occur in up to 60% of patients. Direct costs of lupus nephritis have not been studied in developing countries. This study aimed to describe lupus nephritis direct costs in Colombia. METHODS: Administrative data from two Colombian health maintenance organizations for 2014 and 2015 was obtained. An algorithm based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10(th) revision codes was developed to identify patients with lupus nephritis and lupus nephritis under study. RESULTS: The average annual per-patient, all-claims, all-cause direct cost for lupus nephritis was US$ 12,624, 7.5 times higher than the average lupus patient without lupus nephritis. For lupus nephritis cases under study, estimated direct cost was US$ 3,664, 2 times higher than average lupus patient in Colombia. Difference in lupus nephritis patients is mainly accounted for the cost and frequency of procedures, exceeding by a factor of 5 the cost for durable medical equipment and the cost for drugs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Lupus patients who progress to lupus nephritis stage increased seven-fold the average annual per-patient, all-claims, and all-cause direct cost for the Colombian health system.