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ABSTRACT 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 10th 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.
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OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to quantify the costs of treatment in patients with schizophrenia and to compare the cost according to the relapse status. METHODS: A total of 330 patients were consecutively enrolled from 11 hospitals in Korea. Differences in direct medical costs by relapse status in the 6 months were examined. RESULTS: The medical cost in patients with relapse was about seven times higher than the cost in patients without relapse. The cost for hospitalization largely accounted for the cost in patients who relapsed. The most common reason for the hospitalization in patients with relapse was poor drug compliance. CONCLUSION: Relapse in patients with schizophrenia significantly increases medical costs in Korea.