Burden of Lupus Nephritis among Patients Managed in Routine Clinical Practices in Europe

Assessing the characteristics of patients with Lupus Nephritis (LN) in comparison to those without LN among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) could help portray LN disease burden. A multi-center chart review of adult SLE patients was conducted among rheumatologists/internal medicine physicians in UK/France/Germany/Italy/Spain (EU5) to collect data on disease characteristics and treatment patterns.168 LN patients and 569 non-LN patients with SLE were analyzed. Among LN/Non-LN cohorts, % currently receiving care in in-patient setting was14.9/8.8, % hospitalized greater than=1 in the past-year was49.4/29.7. Clinical burden (patients experiencing a flare, low C3/C4, higher SELENA-SLEDAI scores) and humanistic burden (diminished ability to perform every-day tasks, interact fully with family and friends, or work/keep employment) was higher among LN cohorts. Factors influencing the observed burden, including the therapeutic strategies used in these geographies warrant further investigation to manage LN optimally.