New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Austria

Abstract

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, from the societal perspective, in EUR 2015. Results: A total of 516 patients (mean age, 53 years) participated in Austria; 72% were below retirement age, and of these, 46% were employed. Employment was related to disability, and MS affected productivity at work for 77% of those working. Overall, 94% and 67% of patients experienced fatigue and cognition as a problem. Mean utility and total annual costs were 0.778 and 25,100€ at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–3, 0.579 and 44,100€ at EDSS 4–6.5, and 0.244 and 73,800€ at EDSS 7–9. The mean cost of a relapse was estimated at 2563€. Conclusion: This study illustrates the burden of MS on Austrian patients and provides current data on MS that are important for development of health policies.