The Burden of Multiple Sclerosis-Related Spasticity on Indirect Costs and Requirement for Non-Professional Care: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in the USA (P03.217)

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the relationship between physician-reported severity of spasticity and indirect costs including the need for a non-professional caregiver. BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often progressive disease, frequently accompanied by functional impairment due to spasticity. It is hypothesized that as severity of spasticity increases there is a corresponding impact on indirect costs and the need for the support of a non-professional caregiver. DESIGN/METHODS: Data were drawn from the Adelphi MS Disease Specific Programme, a cross-sectional research programme in the USA of 1641 consulting MS patients. Preliminary analysis using ANOVA with Bonferroni-corrected t-tests and Fisher9s Exact Test with Bonferroni corrections established the most appropriate split was between the physician-assessed mild and moderate spasticity levels. Double robust estimates (combining propensity scoring with weighted regression) were subsequently calculated to show the differences in indirect costs including non-professional care between patients with moderate or severe spasticity and those with no or mild spasticity. Confounding factors included Expanded Disability Severity Scale (EDSS), gender, age, body mass index, concomitant conditions, compliance and MS type. RESULTS: Complete data were obtained for 439 patients. Compared with patients with no or mild spasticity, presence of moderate or severe spasticity was associated with an additional 19.7 days off work in the previous 12 months (p CONCLUSIONS: MS patients with moderate/severe spasticity increase the burden in the workplace, on their family/friends and requirement for walking aids. This may indicate an increased societal need to address MS patients with moderate to severe spasticity. Supported by: XenoPort, Inc. Disclosure: Dr. Schapiro has received personal compensation for activities with EMD Serono, Pfizer, Acorda, and XenoPort, as employment, consulting and speaking. Dr. Wynn has received personal compensation for activities with Abbott Laboratories, Acorda Therapeutics, Allergan, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, Cephalon, Elan, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Facet Biotech, Genentech, Genzyme, GlaxoSmithKline, and Hoffman LaRoche. Dr. Wynn has received research support from Abbott Laboratories, Acorda Therapeutics, Allergan, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, Cephalon, Elan, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Facet Biotech, Genentech, Genzyme, GlaxoSmithKline, and Hoffman LaRoche. Dr. Lissin has received personal compensation for activities with XenoPort Inc. Dr. Lissin holds stock and/or stock options in XenoPort Inc. Dr. Al-Sabbagh has received personal compensation for activities with XenoPort., Inc. as an employee. Mr. Jones has received personal compensation for activities with Aldelphi as an employee. Dr. Pike has nothing to disclose.