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Burden of multiple sclerosis on direct, indirect costs and quality of life: National US estimates
Jonathan D Campbell1, Vahram Ghushchyan1, R Brett McQueen1
1University of Colorado, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA.
Background:
MS imposes a significant burden on patients, caregivers, employers, and the healthcare system.
Objective:
To comprehensively evaluate the US MS burden using nationally representative data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.
Methods:
We identified non-institutionalized patients aged ≥18 with MS (ICD-9 code 340) from 1998 to 2009 and compared them to individuals without an MS diagnosis (non-MS) during the interview year. The cohorts were compared using multivariate regression on direct costs, indirect costs (measured in terms of employment status, annual wages, and workdays missed), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL; measured using Short Form 12, SF-6 Dimensions, and quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]).
Results:
MS prevalence was 572,312 (95% CI: 397,004, 747,619). Annual direct costs were $24,327 higher for the MS population (n=526) vs. the non-MS population (n=270,345) (95% CI: $22,320, $26,333). MS patients had an adjusted 3.3-fold (95% CI: 2.4, 4.5) increase in the odds of not being employed vs. non-MS individuals and a 4.4-fold higher adjusted number of days in bed (95% CI 2.97, 6.45). On average, MS patients lost 10.04 QALYs vs. non-MS cohort.
Conclusions:
MS was associated with higher healthcare costs across all components, reduced productivity due to unemployment and days spent in bed, and lower HRQoL.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly increases healthcare costs and reduces patient productivity and quality of life. This study quantines the substantial economic and health burden of MS in the US.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Health Economics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents a substantial burden on patients, caregivers, employers, and healthcare systems.
- Understanding the full scope of MS impact is crucial for resource allocation and patient support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the economic and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) burden associated with MS in the United States.
- Utilize nationally representative data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) for accurate assessment.
Main Methods:
- Identified non-institutionalized adult patients diagnosed with MS (ICD-9 code 340) from 1998 to 2009.
- Compared MS patients with a non-MS cohort on direct and indirect costs, including employment status, wages, and missed workdays.
- Assessed HRQoL using Short Form 12 (SF-12), SF-6 Dimensions, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).
Main Results:
- MS prevalence was estimated at 572,312 individuals.
- Annual direct healthcare costs were significantly higher for MS patients ($24,327 more).
- MS patients faced a 3.3-fold increased odds of unemployment and a 4.4-fold increase in days in bed, losing an average of 10.04 QALYs.
Conclusions:
- MS is associated with elevated healthcare expenditures across all cost categories.
- Reduced productivity, evidenced by unemployment and missed workdays, is a significant consequence of MS.
- MS substantially diminishes health-related quality of life for affected individuals.