Tuberous sclerosis complex: a survey of health care resource use and health burden

Abstract

Purpose: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multiorgan, autosomal-dominant genetic disorder with incomplete penetrance.

Methods: This analysis of a web-based survey focuses on the clinical presentation, management, and associated burden of patients with TSC in the United States.

Results: A total of 676 TSC patients or caregivers responded. Both pediatric and adult patient groups experienced skin lesions (77% and 44%), seizures (77% and 24%), and kidney complications (33% and 25%) as well as other manifestations. Patient groups averaged 22 visits to a physician, nine procedures/tests, two emergency room visits, and two hospital admissions in the past year. Standardized tests were administered for health-related quality of life and TSC patients reported significantly worse mental health scores and better physical health scores compared to a normative sample of cancer patients.

Conclusion: Results demonstrate that TSC is associated with significant clinical burden, resource utilization, and decreased mental health well-being.

Keywords: children and adults; health care utilization; health-related quality of life; tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).