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The European Journal of Health Economics

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Open Access 01-04-2018 | Original Paper

Costs of illness of multiple sclerosis in Sweden: a population-based register study of people of working age

Authors: Hanna Gyllensten, Michael Wiberg, Kristina Alexanderson, Anders Norlund, Emilie Friberg, Jan Hillert, Olivia Ernstsson, Petter Tinghög

Published in: The European Journal of Health Economics | Issue 3/2018

Abstract

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes work disability and healthcare resource use, but little is known about the distribution of the associated costs to society.

Objectives

We estimated the cost of illness (COI) of working-aged individuals with MS, from the societal perspective, overall and in different groups.

Methods

A population-based study was conducted, using data linked from several nationwide registers, on 14,077 individuals with MS, aged 20–64 years and living in Sweden. Prevalence-based direct and indirect costs in 2010 were calculated, including costs for prescription drug use, specialized healthcare, sick leave, and disability pension.

Results

The estimated COI of all the MS patients were SEK 3950 million, of which 75% were indirect costs. MS was the main diagnosis for resource use, causing 38% of healthcare costs and 67% of indirect costs. The distribution of costs was skewed, in which less than 25% of the patients accounted for half the total COI.

Conclusions

Indirect costs contributed to approximately 75% of the estimated overall COI of MS patients of working age in Sweden. MS was the main diagnosis for more than half of the estimated COI in this patient group. Further studies are needed to gain knowledge on development of costs over time during the MS disease course.

Sick-leave benefits account for 80% and disability pension for 64% of lost income, up to a certain level.

According to the System of Health Accounts, provided by Statistics Sweden, the total cost in 2010 was SEK 298,721 million, including somatic, psychiatric and dental curative and rehabilitative care, long-term care, medical goods such as prescribed drugs, preventive care, and governance and administration.

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Title: Costs of illness of multiple sclerosis in Sweden: a population-based register study of people of working age
Authors: Hanna Gyllensten
Michael Wiberg
Kristina Alexanderson
Anders Norlund
Emilie Friberg
Jan Hillert
Olivia Ernstsson
Petter Tinghög
Publication date: 01-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: The European Journal of Health Economics / Issue 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1618-7598
Electronic ISSN: 1618-7601
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10198-017-0894-6

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Costs of illness of multiple sclerosis in Sweden: a population-based register study of people of working age

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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