Abstract
BackgroundThe objective of this study was to estimate costs to society and patients’ quality of life (QoL) at all levels of disease severity (measured with the Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS) in Brazil.MethodsThe study was part of an international, cross-sectional burden-of-illness study carried out in collaboration with national MS patient organizations. All information was collected directly from patients using a validated questionnaire. Direct costs were estimated both from societal and payer perspectives, while total costs are presented as societal costs.ResultsThe survey included 694 patients (response rate 21%; mean age 40.8 years). 95% of patients were of working age, and around half were working. The mean EDSS score was 3.2 (62.5% of patients with EDSS <3). Relapses were reported by 18.9% of patients. Fatigue affected almost all patients (94%) regardless of EDSS level, and cognitive difficulties were reported by 69.1% of patients. Mean utility ranged from 0.77 at EDSS 0 to negative values at EDSS 9, with a mean score of 0.58; utility was affected by relapses. Total mean annual cost was R$33,872 (€ 8,000) per patient in the societal perspective, with direct costs representing 81% (R$ 27,355, € 6,500). Direct costs for the payer amounted to R$ 16,793 (€ 4,000)/patient.ConclusionsThis study included a population with relatively mild and early disease, with a majority of patients with relapsing disease and thus on DMD treatment. It is not possible to conclude directly on the total cost of MS in Brazil. Nevertheless, resource quantities used, QoL and MS symptoms are very similar to what was seen in the European survey.
Highlights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) [1]
The survey included 694 patients. 95% of patients were of working age, and around half were working
Fatigue affected almost all patients (94%) regardless of EDSS level, and cognitive difficulties were reported by 69.1% of patients
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) [1]. It is a complex and heterogeneous condition that affects young adults, with an average of two women for each man [2]. At onset MS presents with clinically isolated neurological events (CIS) that develop into relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in the majority of patients. Within 10–15 years after diagnosis, the majority of patients convert to secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Primary progressive MS at onset is present in 5–10% of patients. The aim of treatment is to reduce the number and intensity of exacerbations and thereby delay progression to disability [4]. Editor: Marcello Moccia, Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, ITALY
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
