Direct and Indirect Costs to Employers of Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With and Without Nephritis

Objectives: To estimate the medical- and productivity-related cost burden of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and SLE with nephritis in an employee Population. Methods: Using administrative data, annual costs were calculated for SLE Patients, a subset with nephritis, and a matched control group of Patients without SLE. These costs were compared with the cost. of other chronic conditions. Results: Mean annual medical expenditures and short term. disability costs for SLE Patients were $12,238 and $1184 greater (2005 dollars), respectively, than those of controls. Mean medical expenditures, for SLE/nephritis patients were $46,862 greater than for controls. When compared with other chronic health conditions faced by employees, SLE/nephritis was the most costly condition. Conclusions: SLE, Particularly with nephritis, is associated with substantial costs. Therapies that can better manage SLE may provide opportunities for savings to employees. (J Occup Environ Med. 2009,51:66-79)