New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Spain

Abstract

Introduction:In order to estimate the value of interventions in multiple sclerosis (MS) where lifetime costs and outcomes cannot be observed, outcome data have to be combined with costs. This requires that cost data be regularly updated. Objectives and methods: This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 countries collecting data on resource consumption, work capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalent symptoms for patients with MS. Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity, from the societal perspective, in EUR 2015.Results: A total of 462 patients (mean age 43 years) participated in Spain; 96% were below retirement age and of these, 45% were employed. Employment was related to disability, and MS affected productivity at work for 72% of those working. Overall, 92% and 64% of patients experienced fatigue and cognitive difficulties as a problem, respectively. Mean utility and total annual costs were estimated at 0.772 and €20,600 at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0-3, 0.486 and €48,500 at EDSS 4-6.5 and 0.182 and €68,700 at EDSS 7-9, respectively. The mean cost of a relapse was €2050. Conclusion: This study illustrates the burden of MS on Spanish patients and provides current data that are important for development of health policies.

Unmet needs, burden of treatment, and patient engagement in multiple sclerosis: A combined perspective from the MS in the 21st Century Steering Group

“…The engagement of patients in their own healthcare has been described as the 'blockbuster drug of the century' (Rieckmann et al, 2015). From the early stages of this disease, PwMS are vulnerable to social exclusion; negative perceptions of the disease can also invoke prejudices and inequalities, and have a negative impact on employment opportunities (Oreja-Guevara et al, 2017). As disability worsens, the ability to work and interact socially becomes further restricted, meaning that efforts to enhance collaboration and develop a globalised MS community are therefore much needed.…”

Cost-effectiveness of Cladribine Tablets and fingolimod in the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis with high disease activity in Spain

“…According to a cross-sectional Spanish study [6], 92% and 64% of patients with MS analyzed experienced fatigue and cognitive problems, respectively, with a mean utility (quality of life as perceived by the patient) of 0.772 and costs per patient per year (from the societal perspective) ranging between 20,600 € with a score in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 0 to 3 and 68,700 € with an EDSS score of 7 to 9. In Spain, the total annual cost of MS has been estimated at 1,4 billion euros (40% direct healthcare cost, 30% direct non-healthcare cost and 30% indirect cost) [7].…”

Consensus document on the multidisciplinary management of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…2 Besides, MS is the main cause of nontraumatic neurological disability in young adults which leads to a significant consumption of social-sanitary resources. 3 MS is classified into three groups. Relapsing-remitting MS is the most common subtype accounting for approximately 85% of cases and characterized by acute neurological symptoms with periods with an improvement.…”

“…The estimated prevalence ranges between 18.6 and 265 cases/100 000 inhabitants 2 . Besides, MS is the main cause of nontraumatic neurological disability in young adults which leads to a significant consumption of social‐sanitary resources 3 …”