Costs, quality of life and disease severity in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study in Sweden

This study assessed the cost to society of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Swede n in 1998. The cost-of-illness method, based on the human capital theory, w as used as the theoretical framework. The study used a cross-sectional appr oach, in which resource utilization data and quality-of-life data (utilitie s) were collected at a single time point. The total cost of MS was estimate d at 4868 MSEK, or 586 MEUR, giving an annual cost of 442 500 SEK, or 53 25 0 EUR, per patient (IUSD = 9.73 SEK. 1 EUR = 8.31 SEK, as of 21 September 2 000). Direct costs accounted for about 67% of total cost, and they were dom inated by the cost of personal assistants and drugs. Indirect costs (loss o f production) accounted for about 33% of total costs. To these economic cos ts, intangible costs of 2702 MSEK (325 MEUR) should be added as well. Direc t, indirect and informal care costs all rose significantly with increased d isability and were higher during a relapse. Quality of life declined substa ntially with increased disability and was lower during a relapse. Multiple sclerosis was found to be associated with much higher costs to society than has been ascertained by former studies. The study also revealed a strong c orrelation between severity of the disease and quality of life. These resul ts are crucial for further studies on the cost-effectiveness of new treatme nts aimed at preventing relapses and reducing progression of the disease.