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01-10-2011 | Original Article

Multiple sclerosis in Italy: cost-of-illness study

Authors: F. Patti, M. P. Amato, M. Trojano, C. Solaro, A. Pappalardo, V. Zipoli, E. Portaccio, D. Paolicelli, A. Paolillo, F. S. Mennini, A. Marcellusi, C. Ricci, M. A. Battaglia

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

This study estimates the direct costs of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Italy from the perspective of the National Health System. Patients diagnosed with MS for ≥1 year prior to study entry were included in the analysis; neurological disability was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Cost variables were analyzed according to: MS phenotype, disease course over the previous year and EDSS rating. A total of 510 patients were included in the analysis. Overall costs were significantly higher for relapsing-remitting MS and secondary progressive MS than for primary progressive MS (P < 0.05). Costs were higher for EDSS scores 0.0–3.5 and 4.0–6.0 than for scores > 6.0 (P < 0.05). The extrapolated data gave an estimated annual direct cost of MS per patient of €18,030. In conclusion, relapsing-remitting MS or secondary progressive MS phenotypes and lower estimated EDSS scores appear to be associated with higher costs.

A relapsing-remitting course was defined as the occurrence of (a) phase(s) of worsening lasting less than six months followed by phase(s) of improvement or combined improvement and inactivity lasting at least one month; or (b) phase(s) of worsening lasting less than six months followed by a plateau phase lasting at least one year; or (c) phases of worsening, each lasting less than six months and each having an onset after at least one month from the maximum worsening of the previous one; Inactive are a patient that doesn’t reveal any clinical activity within the last 6 months (d) [32].

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Title: Multiple sclerosis in Italy: cost-of-illness study
Authors: F. Patti
M. P. Amato
M. Trojano
C. Solaro
A. Pappalardo
V. Zipoli
E. Portaccio
D. Paolicelli
A. Paolillo
F. S. Mennini
A. Marcellusi
C. Ricci
M. A. Battaglia
Publication date: 01-10-2011
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-011-0499-2

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Multiple sclerosis in Italy: cost-of-illness study

Abstract

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Abstract

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