Income in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Different Disease Phenotypes

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Economics
• Socioeconomic Studies

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) presents with significant heterogeneity in its clinical progression.
• Understanding the socioeconomic impact across different MS phenotypes is crucial for patient support and healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate income levels and sources among Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients in Sweden.
• To compare income disparities between primary progressive MS (PPMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) phenotypes.
• To identify similarities and differences in income between PPMS and SPMS patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 6890 MS patients (aged 21-64) in Sweden (2010).
• Utilized descriptive statistics and regression models (logistic, truncated linear, zero-inflated negative binomial) to analyze income data.
• Compared income and benefit receipt across RRMS, PPMS, and SPMS patient groups.

Main Results:

• Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients reported nearly double the income of PPMS and SPMS patients.
• Average annual incomes were SEK 204,500 (RRMS), SEK 114,500 (PPMS), and SEK 79,800 (SPMS).
• No statistically significant difference in earnings was found between PPMS and SPMS patients using multivariable regression; PPMS and RRMS patients were less likely to receive benefits than SPMS patients.

Conclusions:

• Primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS) exhibit socioeconomic similarities.
• Preventing the conversion of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) to SPMS is vital for maintaining patients' socioeconomic well-being.
• The findings underscore the significant economic burden associated with progressive MS phenotypes.