New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results of the Czech Republic
Abstrakt
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 and work capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalent symptoms for patients with MS. Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity, in the societal perspective, in CZK 2015.
Results: A total of 747 patients (mean age 47 years) participated; 86% were below retirement age and of these, 49% were employed. Employment was related to disease severity, and MS affected productivity at work for 82% of those working.
Overall, 92% and 66% of patients experienced fatigue and cognitive difficulties as a problem. Mean utility and annual costs were 0.832 and 257,000CZK at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0-3, 0.530 and 425,500CZK at EDSS 4-6.5 and 0.141 and 489,000CZK at EDSS 7-9.
The average cost of a relapse was estimated at 12,600CZK. Conclusion: This study provides current data on MS in the Czech Republic that are important for the development of health policies.