Total costs and predictors of costs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective. To determine the annual direct, indirect and total costs and pre dictors of costs in patients with systemic lupus crythematosus (SLE). Methods. One hundred and five patients with SLE completed questionnaires on health-care utilization and employment history. Predictors of costs were d etermined by multiple regression analyses using direct, indirect and total costs as outcome variables. Demographics, health status, disease activity, end-organ damage, social support and satisfaction with care were used as pr edictor variables. Results. The mean annual total cost per patient was pound 7913. Direct cost s were a third and indirect costs two-thirds of the total cost. Higher educ ation level, greater disease activity and lower physical functioning were a ssociated with higher direct, indirect and total costs. Higher direct costs were also associated with greater damage and younger age. Conclusion. SLE has a considerable impact on the health-care system and soc iety. Improvement in disease activity and physical health and prevention of end-organ damage may reduce costs in SLE.