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Updated: Feb 13, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Comorbidity in US patients with multiple sclerosis
Natalie C Edwards1, Michael Munsell2, Joseph Menzin2
1Health Services Consulting Corporation (NCE), Boxborough, MA, USA.
Objective:
To assess the trends in the prevalence of comorbidities in US patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and the association of demographic characteristics with the presence of comorbidities.
Study Design:
A retrospective analysis was conducted from a sample of 5 million patients from the IMS Health Real World Data Adjudicated Claims - US database.
Methods:
Comorbidity in patients with MS was assessed by year (2006-2014), and logistic regression models evaluated the association of age, sex, and region with select comorbidities.
Results:
The most common comorbidities from 2006 to 2014 were hyperlipidemia and hypertension (25.9%-29.7% of patients within an individual year), followed by gastrointestinal disease (18.4%-21.2% of patients) and thyroid disease (12.9%-17.1% of patients). The proportion with a claim for hyperlipidemia increased from 2006 to 2009, was stable from 2009 to 2011, and then declined from 2011 to 2014. The proportion with a claim for hypertension generally increased from 2006 to 2013, then declined from 2013 to 2014. The proportion with a claim for gastrointestinal disease, thyroid disease, and anxiety generally increased from 2006 to 2014. Claims for comorbidities were statistically significantly more likely among older age groups (p<0.05), with the exception of anxiety and alcohol abuse, which were statistically significantly less likely among older age groups. Claims for gastrointestinal disease (OR=0.75), thyroid disease (OR=0.36), chronic lung disease (OR=0.76), arthritis (OR=0.71), anxiety (OR=0.63), and depression (OR=0.69) were statistically significantly less likely among males versus females (all p<0.05). Claims for hyperlipidemia (OR=1.39), hypertension (OR=1.25), diabetes (OR=1.31), and alcohol abuse (OR=2.41) were significantly more likely among males (p<0.05). Many comorbidity claims were statistically significantly more likely in the Northeast and South compared with the Midwest and West.
Conclusion:
This study provides select comorbidity claims estimates in US patients with MS, and thus highlights the importance of comprehensive patient care approaches.
Insights
Comorbidities like hyperlipidemia and hypertension are common in US patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Older age and female sex are associated with higher comorbidity prevalence, underscoring the need for comprehensive care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Comorbidities can significantly impact the health and management of MS patients.
- Understanding comorbidity trends is crucial for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in comorbidity prevalence among US patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To investigate the association between demographic factors (age, sex, region) and the presence of comorbidities in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a large US claims database (IMS Health Real World Data Adjudicated Claims) from 2006 to 2014.
- Inclusion of approximately 5 million patients.
- Logistic regression models used to assess demographic associations with specific comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Hyperlipidemia and hypertension were the most prevalent comorbidities (25.9%-29.7%).
- Gastrointestinal disease, thyroid disease, and anxiety showed increasing prevalence trends from 2006-2014.
- Older age and female sex were significantly associated with higher comorbidity prevalence, with some exceptions.
- Geographic variations in comorbidity claims were observed across US regions.
Conclusions:
- This study provides essential estimates of comorbidity claims in US patients with MS.
- Findings highlight the importance of integrated and comprehensive patient care strategies for managing MS and its associated conditions.
- Further research into regional and demographic disparities may inform targeted interventions.
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