Lupus Can Cost Young Women More Years Than Diabetes, HIV
Medscape
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Lupus significantly impacts women of reproductive age in the US, causing substantial years of potential life lost. This study quantifies lupus's burden as a cause of premature death among US women aged 15-44 between 2000 and 2015.
- Lupus was responsible for approximately 304,200 years of potential life lost in US women aged 15-44 years from 2000 to 2015. This figure positions lupus as the 14th leading cause of premature death within this demographic. The study analyzed data over a 16-year period to assess this impact. The findings highlight lupus as a significant public health concern, contributing to substantial loss of life before the age of 45. While the exact societal and economic repercussions are not detailed, the raw data on premature mortality provides a clear indication of the disease's severity and its effect on a vulnerable population group. The focus remains on quantifying the loss of life due to lupus in women of childbearing age.
