Figure 1.

(a) Markov state transition diagram illustrating the health states and transitions for each treatment strategy for the initial 3 years. The lifetime model consists of the initial 3-year period of maintenance therapy followed by a posttreatment phase as shown in (b). (b) Markov state transition diagram illustrating the health states and transitions for each treatment strategy for the posttreatment phase (after 3 years). LN: lupus nephritis; AZA: azathioprine; MMF: mycophenolate mofetil; IV CYC: intravenous cyclophosphamide; ESRD: end stage renal disease.