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.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; Spain; burden of illness; cognition; costs; fatigue; health-related quality of life.