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Open Access 28-11-2022 | Multiple Sclerosis | Original Article

The economic impact of comorbidity in multiple sclerosis

Authors: Michela Ponzio, Maria Cristina Monti, Giulia Mallucci, Paola Borrelli, Sara Fusco, Andrea Tacchino, Giampaolo Brichetto, Livio Tronconi, Cristina Montomoli, Roberto Bergamaschi

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 3/2023

Abstract

Background

Comorbid conditions are common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). They can delay diagnosis and negatively impact the disease course, progression of disability, therapeutic management, and adherence to treatment.

Objective

To quantify the economic impact of comorbidity in multiple sclerosis (MS), based on cost-of-illness estimates made using a bottom-up approach.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out in two northern Italian areas. The socio-demographic and clinical information, including comorbidities data, were collected through ad hoc anonymous self-assessment questionnaire while disease costs (direct and indirect costs of disease and loss of productivity) were estimated using a bottom-up approach. Costs were compared between pwMS with and without comorbidity. Adjusted incremental costs associated with comorbidity were reported using generalized linear models with log-link and gamma distributions or two-part models.

Results

51.0% of pwMS had at least one comorbid condition. Hypertension (21.0%), depression (15.7%), and anxiety (11.7%) were the most prevalent. PwMS with comorbidity were more likely to use healthcare resources, such as hospitalizations (OR = 1.21, p < 0.001), tests (OR = 1.59, p < 0.001), and symptomatic drugs and supplements (OR = 1.89, p = 0.012), and to incur non-healthcare costs related to investment (OR = 1.32, p < 0.001), transportation (OR = 1.33, p < 0.001), services (OR = 1.33, p < 0.001), and informal care (OR = 1.43, p = 0.16). Finally, they experienced greater productivity losses (OR = 1.34, p < 0.001) than pwMS without comorbidity. The adjusted incremental annual cost per patient due to comorbidity was €3,106.9 (13% of the overall costs) with MS disability found to exponentially affect annual costs.

Conclusion

Comorbidity has health, social, and economic consequences for pwMS.

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Title: The economic impact of comorbidity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Michela Ponzio
Maria Cristina Monti
Giulia Mallucci
Paola Borrelli
Sara Fusco
Andrea Tacchino
Giampaolo Brichetto
Livio Tronconi
Cristina Montomoli
Roberto Bergamaschi
Publication date: 28-11-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Multiple Sclerosis
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 3/2023
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-022-06517-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The economic impact of comorbidity in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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