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Daniel N, Bruns I, Casey B, Coote S, Daubmann A, Heesen C, Riemann-Lorenz K. "Activity Matters was great - I now realize: if I move, I'm fitter.": development and process evaluation of a web-based program for persons with multiple sclerosis. Disabil Rehabil 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37861220 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2269845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Research shows that persons with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis are less physically active than healthy controls even though they would benefit from it. This study focusses on the feasibility testing and process evaluation of the pilot study of Activity Matters, a twelve-week web-based program, from Ireland, to increase physical activity in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS The intervention was adapted to local circumstances in Hamburg, Germany and consists of eleven modules incorporating behavior change techniques. After feasibility had been confirmed, 43 persons with multiple sclerosis participated in a pilot study with a pre-post, single-group intervention design. Qualitative data was collected with questionnaires and semi structured interviews. Physical activity level and stage of change was measured quantitatively. RESULTS Participants had a mean age of 49.5 years (SD 9.29) and an average Patient Determined Disease Step Score of 2.2 (SD 1.47). Thirty-six participants answered the follow-up questionnaire. On average 9.8 modules were processed within 13 weeks. Each tool for behavior change was perceived as helpful except the chat group. Physical activity levels increased significantly from pre- to post intervention (p-value 0.042, Cohen's d = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that Activity Matters is feasible and satisfactory and may change activity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Daniel
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - I Bruns
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - B Casey
- Healthy Eating Active Living Programme, Health and Wellbeing Division, HSE, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Coote
- MS Society and Physical Activity for Health Group, Health Research Institute, Limerick, Ireland
| | - A Daubmann
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Heesen
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - K Riemann-Lorenz
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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Dubrall D, Sachs B, Kraywinkel K, Schulz M, Schmid M, Fischer-Barth W, Bate J. Analyses of Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reported as an Adverse Drug Reaction and Comparison with Cases from the Cancer Registry from Germany. Drugs R D 2023; 23:21-33. [PMID: 36401718 PMCID: PMC9985531 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-022-00407-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Germany, incidence rates of basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) rose significantly from 1998 to 2010. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, immunosuppressants and drugs with photosensitising potential are known to increase the risk to develop BCC and SCC. The aim of our study was to analyse the adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports from Germany referring to BCC and SCC and to compare them to BCC and SCC occurring in the general population. METHODS We analysed all validated spontaneous ADR reports referring to BCC (n = 191) and SCC (n = 75) from Germany contained in the European ADR database EudraVigilance prior to 6 March 2019. These reports were compared to 1,267,210 BCC and 476,903 SCC cases from the German Centre for Cancer Registry Data recorded from 2006 to 2018. RESULTS The number of BCC and SCC reports as well as the BCC and SCC incidences in the registry increased in the analysed time period. Patients with drug-associated BCC (60 years) and SCC (64 years) were younger than patients with BCC (72 years) and SCC (76 years) in the registry. In 57.1 and 60.0% of BCC and SCC reports immunosuppressants were reported as suspected. The reported suspected drug was assumed to possess a photosensitising potential in 41.9 and 44.0% of BCC and SCC reports. CONCLUSIONS In Germany, drug-associated BCC and SCC occurred at a younger age than in the general population. The results underline the necessity for skin cancer screening of patients treated with immunosuppressants or with drugs with photosensitising potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Dubrall
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. .,Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Bernhardt Sachs
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Bonn, Germany.,Department for Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Maike Schulz
- Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care in Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmid
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Jens Bate
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Bonn, Germany.,Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Cologne Municipial Hospitals, Cologne, Germany
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The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prescription of multiple sclerosis medication in Germany. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114129. [PMID: 36527843 PMCID: PMC9756211 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-word evidence from diverse data sources is increasingly important in terms of generating rapid insights to effectively manage patient populations, especially during major public health disruptions such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with chronic and inflammatory diseases - such as multiple sclerosis (MS) - were reported to experience potentially negative effects due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs in combination with a COVID-19 infection. In this research, we explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medication use in patients with MS in Germany. METHODS Patient-level pharmacy dispensing data from the Permea platform - covering approximately 44% of all community pharmacy dispensing in Germany - were analysed from 2019 - 2021. Longitudinal use patterns of MS medication and antidepressants and patient demographics were assessed. Daily variation in MS medication use was specifically studied around the dates of the first and second lockdowns in Germany. RESULTS We included data from 539,400 prescriptions which included at least 1 MS drug. The medication data showed a stable level of monthly prescriptions for MS medication at 2.02 ± 0.03 prescriptions per pharmacy during the study period. Although there was a sharp increase in daily prescriptions before the first lockdown (from an average 660.08 ± 137.59 daily prescriptions in the observed period to a maximum dispensing number of 998 daily prescriptions), the overall number of prescriptions remained at pre-pandemic levels (603 ± 90.31 daily prescriptions in 2019). Similar trends were observed for monthly co-prescribed antidepressant use per pharmacy (0.10 ± 0.01 in 2019-0.11 ± 0.02 in 2020). CONCLUSION Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of MS medications and co-prescribed antidepressants was stable. These insights from real-world data demonstrate the value of evidence-based insights for managing patient care.
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Bereczki D, Bálint M, Ajtay A, Oberfrank F, Vastagh I. Pregestational neurological disorders among women of childbearing age—Nationwide data from a 13-year period in Hungary. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274873. [PMID: 36129895 PMCID: PMC9491540 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Comprehensive statistics evaluating pregnancies complicated by various medical conditions are desirable for the optimization of prenatal care and for improving maternal and fetal outcomes. The main objective of our study was to assess pregnancies during a 13-year study period with accompanying pregestational neurological disorders in medical history on a nationwide level. Methods In the framework of the NEUROHUN 2004–2017 project utilizing medical reports submitted for reimbursement purposes to the National Health Insurance Fund, we included women with at least one labor during 2004–2016 who had at least one pregestational diagnosis of a neurological disorder received within this time frame prior to their first pregnancy during the studied period. Three-digit codes from the 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD) were used for the identification and classification of neurological and obstetrical conditions. Results Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed during the study process. A total of 744 226 women have been identified with at least one delivery during the study period with 98 792 of them (13.3%) having at least one neurological diagnosis received during 2004–2016 before their first gestation in the time frame of the study. The vast majority of diagnosis codes were related to different types of headaches affecting 69 149 (9.3%) individuals. The most prevalent diagnoses following headaches were dizziness and giddiness (15 589 patients [2.1%]; nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders (10 375 patients [1.4%]); epileptic disorders (7028 patients [0.9%]); neurological diseases of vascular origin (6091 patients [0.8%]); other disorders of the nervous system (5358 patients [0.7%]); and demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (2129 patients [0.3%]). The present findings of our study show high prevalence of pregestational neurological disorders, the dominance of headaches followed by the rather nonspecific diagnosis of dizziness and giddiness, the relevance of nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders and epilepsy, and the importance of cerebrovascular disorders among women of childbearing age. Conclusion The present research findings can help healthcare professionals, researchers and decision makers in adopting specific health policy measures based on nationwide data and further aid the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of various neurological manifestations concerning women of childbearing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Bereczki
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Hospital and Clinics, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
| | - Mónika Bálint
- Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Ajtay
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Neuroepidemiological Research Group, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Ildikó Vastagh
- Department of Neurology, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Hospital and Clinics, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Neuroepidemiological Research Group, ELKH, Budapest, Hungary
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Vasanthaprasad V, Khurana V, Vadapalle S, Palace J, Adlard N. Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:301. [PMID: 35978300 PMCID: PMC9382820 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02820-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is a subtype of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is a chronic neurological disease, characterised by inflammation of the central nervous system. Most of MS patients eventually progress to SPMS. This study estimates the prevalence of SPMS in the United States of America, Europe, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. Methods A systematic literature search of the Medline and Embase databases was performed using the OVID™ SP platform to identify MS epidemiological studies published in English from database inception to September 22, 2020. Studies reporting the prevalence of MS and proportion of SPMS patients in the included population were selected. The pooled prevalence of SPMS was calculated based on the proportion of SPMS patients. The Loney quality assessment checklist was used for quality grading. A meta-analysis of the proportions was conducted in RStudio. Results A total of 4754 articles were retrieved, and prevalence was calculated from 97 relevant studies. Overall, 86 medium- and high-quality studies were included in the meta-analysis. Most studies were conducted in European countries (84 studies). The estimated pooled prevalence of SPMS was 22.42 (99% confidence interval: 18.30, 26.95)/100,000. The prevalence of SPMS was more in the North European countries, highest in Sweden and lowest in Brazil. A decline in SPMS prevalence was observed since the availability of oral disease-modifying therapies. We also observed a regional variation of higher SPMS prevalence in urban areas compared with rural areas. Conclusion High variability was observed in the estimated SPMS prevalence, and the quality of the studies conducted. The influence of latitude and other factors known to affect overall MS prevalence did not fully explain the wide range of inter-country and intra-country variability identified in the results. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02820-0.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivek Khurana
- Novartis Corporation (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Jackie Palace
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Multiple sclerosis by phenotype in Germany. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 57:103326. [PMID: 35158442 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be categorized based on its disease course into the following phenotypes: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). With one exception, studies of MS by phenotype either provide only prevalence data or if describing drug utilization, the emphasis is on patients with RRMS; while drug utilization by phenotype tends to be examined over the course of a year. No recent studies have comprehensively evaluated MS phenotypes by prevalence, drug utilization, and comorbidities over time from a population-based perspective, which is essential for understanding the disease burden and identifying unmet needs in MS. Germany is one of the few countries where specific MS phenotypes are commonly recorded in routine clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to compare MS phenotypes with respect to changes in their population-based prevalence rates and the types of MS treatments prescribed over time, as well as the frequency of clinical conditions associated with MS based on data from a German health insurance database. METHODS This retrospective, observational, cohort study used data from a German health insurance database for the period 2010 to 2017. Patients aged 18+ years with a specified phenotype of MS based on ICD-10 diagnosis coding were included in the analysis. RESULTS In 2010, RRMS was reported in 73%, PPMS in 8%, and SPMS in 19% of patients with MS with a known phenotype. The mean ages of patients were 41.4, 53.6, and 52.8 years, respectively, and all phenotypes were associated with a female predominance (69%, 63% and 63%, respectively). The prevalence rate of each phenotype markedly increased during the study period (RRMS +113%, PPMS +40%, SPMS +54%; in 2017 the rates were 183, 14, and 34 per 100,000, respectively). The mean age of patients reporting each phenotype also increased (p<0.01), while the female:male proportion remained stable in RRMS and SPMS, the proportion of females significantly declined over time in the PPMS group. The overall percentage of patients prescribed a disease-modifying drug increased across the phenotypes from 51% to 57%. Prescription of interferon-based therapies declined in each phenotype, with the greatest declines observed in RRMS and PPMS. The PPMS and SPMS groups had significantly more prescriptions for symptom management than the RRMS group. Depression was the most prevalent clinical condition associated with each phenotype. There was a significant difference in the percentage of patients with depression across the phenotypes (p = 0.03), with the highest among SPMS (44%) compared with RRMS (35%) or PPMS (37%). Significant differences (p<0.05) across the phenotypes were also observed for the composite prevalence of cardiovascular conditions (highest in PPMS) and cognitive dysfunction (highest in SPMS). CONCLUSION The increasing numbers of patients across each MS phenotype, aging population in patients with MS regardless of phenotype, gender differences and variations across the types of treatments prescribed, and clinical conditions associated with each MS phenotype present new insight into the disease burden and treatment strategies of MS. These should be considered when developing healthcare strategies and optimizing care for patients with MS.
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Ziemssen T, Kurzeja A, Muresan B, Haas JS, Alexander J, Driessen MT. Real-world patient characteristics, treatment patterns and costs in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients treated with glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate or teriflunomide in Germany. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2021; 12:93-107. [PMID: 34931528 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2021-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate adherence, healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs for glatiramer acetate (GA; injectable), dimethyl fumarate (oral) and teriflunomide (oral) in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Patients & methods: Retrospective analyses of a claims database. Results: Teriflunomide patients were older with more co-morbidities and fewer relapses versus GA and dimethyl fumarate. GA patients were mostly disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)-treatment naive. Treatment adherence was 61-70%. All DMTs reduced HRU versus pre-index. Costs were comparable across cohorts. High adherence reduced hospitalizations and several costs versus low adherers. Conclusion: Adherence rates were high and comparable with all DMTs. Similar (and high) reductions in HRU and costs occurred with all DMTs. High adherence improved economic outcomes versus low adherence. Thus, investing in adherence improvement is beneficial to improve outcomes in relapsing multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjalf Ziemssen
- MS Center Dresden, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Fetscherstr. 74, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Anna Kurzeja
- European Medical Affairs, Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe B.V., Piet Heinkade 107, GM, 1019, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bogdan Muresan
- Global Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe B.V., Piet Heinkade 107, GM, 1019, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer S Haas
- Real World Evidence, Xcenda GmbH, Lange Laube 31, Hanover, D-30159, Germany
| | - Jessica Alexander
- Global Medical Affairs, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, 145 Brandywine Pkwy, West Chester, PA 19380, USA
| | - Maurice T Driessen
- Global Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe B.V., Piet Heinkade 107, GM, 1019, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Blaschke SJ, Ellenberger D, Flachenecker P, Hellwig K, Paul F, Pöhlau D, Kleinschnitz C, Rommer PS, Rueger MA, Zettl UK, Stahmann A, Warnke C. Time to diagnosis in multiple sclerosis: Epidemiological data from the German Multiple Sclerosis Registry. Mult Scler 2021; 28:865-871. [PMID: 34449299 DOI: 10.1177/13524585211039753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the time to diagnosis in multiple sclerosis (MS) in Germany. METHODS Analysis of real-world registry data from the German Multiple Sclerosis Registry (GMSR) and performing a primary analysis in patients where month-specific registration of the dates of onset and diagnosis was available. RESULTS As of January 2020, data of a total of 28,658 patients with MS were extracted from the GMSR, with 9836 patients included in the primary analysis. The mean time to diagnosis was shorter following the introduction of the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based McDonald criteria in 2001. This effect was most pronounced in younger adults below the age of 40 years with relapsing onset multiple sclerosis (ROMS), with a decrease from 1.9 years in 2010 to 0.9 years in 2020, while unchanged in patients aged 40-50 years (1.4 years in 2010 and 1.3 years in 2020). In the limited number of paediatric onset MS patients, the time to diagnosis was longer and did not change (2.9 years). CONCLUSION The current sensitive MRI-based diagnostic criteria have likely contributed to an earlier diagnosis of MS in Germany in younger adults aged 18-39 years with ROMS. Whether this translated to earlier initiation of disease-modifying treatment or had a beneficial effect on patient outcomes remains to be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan J Blaschke
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - David Ellenberger
- MS Forschungs- und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH (MSFP), German MS Register by the German MS Society, Hanover, Germany
| | | | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Katholisches Klinikum Bochum, Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center of Translational and Behavioral Neurosciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Paulus S Rommer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria A Rueger
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Uwe K Zettl
- Neuroimmunological Section, Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Alexander Stahmann
- MS Forschungs- und Projektentwicklungs-gGmbH (MSFP), German MS Register by the German MS Society, Hanover, Germany
| | - Clemens Warnke
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Mirahmadizadeh A, Banihashemi SA, Hashemi M, Amiri S, Basir S, Heiran A, Keshavarzian O. Estimating the prevalence and incidence of treated type 2 diabetes using prescription data as a proxy: A stepwise approach on Iranian data. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07260. [PMID: 34179534 PMCID: PMC8213903 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Type 2 diabetes is a serious health challenge, and large-scale studies on its prevalence in Iran are lacking. In pharmacoepidemiology, case-finding can be done by reviewing the prescription databases for specific drug(s) prescribed for a disease. We aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes in Fars province, Iran, using prescription data and a stepwise approach to ascertain the results. METHODS A dataset of 3,113 insured individuals aged ≥35 years were selected. Their Prescription Data Centre records were reviewed for all drugs frequently used in controlling type 2 diabetes available in the Iranian pharmacopeia. Then we used a stepwise method for case-finding. In step one, each individual with a positive drug history for type 2 diabetes was labeled as an individual with diabetes. The next two steps were implemented for ascertainment of step one estimations. RESULTS Prevalence of type 2 diabetes based on prescription, internist opinion, and phone call verification in 2015 and 2016 was 9.3% and 10.3%, 8.5% and 9.8%, and 7.2% and 8.7%, respectively. An incidence of 1.9% was determined for 2016. CONCLUSIONS We obtained a realistic estimation of prevalence and incidence of treated type 2 diabetes, using prescription data which are large-scale, low cost, and real-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mirahmadizadeh
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | | | - Sanaz Amiri
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Suzan Basir
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Heiran
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Omid Keshavarzian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Jacob L, Smith L, Koyanagi A, Haro JM, Konrad M, Tanislav C, Kostev K. Is there an association between multiple sclerosis and osteoarthritis in Germany? A retrospective cohort study of 8,600 patients from Germany. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2021; 7:20552173211022784. [PMID: 34262785 PMCID: PMC8243106 DOI: 10.1177/20552173211022784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the multiple sclerosis-osteoarthritis relationship in adults followed in general practices in Germany. METHODS Patients aged 18-70 years who were diagnosed for the first time with multiple sclerosis in one of 1,193 general practices in Germany between 2005 and 2018 (index date) were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients without multiple sclerosis were matched (1:1) to those with multiple sclerosis by sex, age, index year, general practice, obesity, injuries, and other types of arthritis (index date: a randomly selected visit date). The association between multiple sclerosis and the 10-year incidence of osteoarthritis was analyzed using Cox regression models. RESULTS There were 4,300 patients with multiple sclerosis and 4,300 patients without multiple sclerosis included in this study. The proportion of women was 69.3% and mean (SD) age was 43.6 (12.6) years. There was no significant association between multiple sclerosis and incident osteoarthritis in the overall sample (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.83-1.09) as well as sex and age subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, multiple sclerosis is not significantly associated with osteoarthritis. Further studies of longitudinal nature are warranted to corroborate or invalidate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Jacob
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari
Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de
Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Versailles
Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Lee Smith
- The Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise
Sciences, Anglia Ruskin
University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari
Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis
Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Haro
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari
Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcel Konrad
- Health & Social, FOM University of Applied
Sciences for Economics and Management, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Tanislav
- Department of Geriatrics and Neurology,
Diakonie Hospital Jung Stilling, Siegen, Germany
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Gnavi R, Picariello R, Alboini PE, Cavalla P, Grasso MF, Richiardi P, Bertolotto A, Barizzone N, Cantello R, Leone MA, D'Alfonso S, Golini N. Validation of an Algorithm to Detect Multiple Sclerosis Cases in Administrative Health Databases in Piedmont (Italy): An Application to the Estimate of Prevalence by Age and Urbanization Level. Neuroepidemiology 2021; 55:119-125. [PMID: 33691323 DOI: 10.1159/000513763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Italy is considered a high-risk country for multiple sclerosis (MS). Exploiting electronic health archives (EHAs) is highly useful to continuously monitoring the prevalence of the disease, as well as the care delivered to patients and its outcomes. The aim of this study was to validate an EHA-based algorithm to identify MS patients, suitable for epidemiological purposes, and to estimate MS prevalence in Piedmont (North Italy). METHODS MS cases were identified, in the period between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017, linking data from 4 different sources: hospital discharges, drug prescriptions, exemptions from co-payment to health care, and long-term care facilities. Sensitivity of the algorithm was tested through record linkage with a cohort of 656 neurologist-confirmed MS cases; specificity was tested with a cohort of 2,966,293 residents presumably not affected by MS. Undercount was estimated by a capture-recapture method. We calculated crude, and age- and gender-specific prevalence. We also calculated age-adjusted prevalence by level of urbanization of the municipality of residence. RESULTS On December 31, 2017, the algorithm identified 8,850 MS cases. Sensitivity was 95.9%, specificity was 99.97%, and the estimated completeness of ascertainment was 91.9%. The overall prevalence, adjusted for undercount, was 152 per 100,000 among men and 286 among women; it increased with increasing age and reached its peak value in the 45- to 54-year class, followed by a progressive reduction. The age-adjusted prevalence of residents in cities was 15% higher than in those living in the countryside. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION We validated an algorithm based on EHAs to identify cases of MS for epidemiological use. The prevalence of MS, adjusted for undercount, was among the highest in Italy. We also found that the prevalence was higher in highly urbanized areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gnavi
- Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3 Regione Piemonte, Grugliasco, Italy,
| | | | - Paolo Emilio Alboini
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalla
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Neurologia I U and Multiple Sclerosis Center, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Paola Richiardi
- UO Neurologia, ASL Città di Torino, Ospedale San Giovanni Bosco, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Bertolotto
- Neurologia-CRESM (Centro Riferimento Regionale Sclerosi Multipla), AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Turin, Italy
| | - Nadia Barizzone
- Department of Translational Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Roberto Cantello
- Department of Health Sciences, and CAAD, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Angelo Leone
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Sandra D'Alfonso
- Department of Health Sciences, and CAAD, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Natalia Golini
- Epidemiology Unit, ASL TO3 Regione Piemonte, Grugliasco, Italy
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Bakirtzis C, Grigoriadou E, Boziki MK, Kesidou E, Siafis S, Moysiadis T, Tsakona D, Thireos E, Nikolaidis I, Pourzitaki C, Kouvelas D, Papazisis G, Tsalikakis D, Grigoriadis N. The Administrative Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in Greece on the Basis of a Nationwide Prescription Database. Front Neurol 2020; 11:1012. [PMID: 33132996 PMCID: PMC7550689 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.01012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To estimate current prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Greece using administrative data from the nationwide medicine prescription database. Methods: Prescription records of a 24-month period (June 2017–May 2019) were analyzed in order to identify cases of MS. Sex, age, and place of residence were recorded for each identified case. Prevalence of MS was calculated based on the updated records of the Greek population according to Hellenic Statistical Authority. Results: The 2-year cumulative period prevalence of MS was estimated to 197.8 per 100,000 (95% CI 197.6–198.0). In total, 21,218 patients (65.8% female) were identified. During this period, the prevalence of MS was 138.7 per 100,000 (95% CI 138.4–139.0) in men and 253.6 per 100,000 (95% CI 253.3–254.1) in women. Prevalence was higher in the 45–49 age group in both sexes. Analysis of the place of residence revealed higher prevalence in the Attica region and Western Greece while lower prevalence was observed in Northern Greece. No north–south latitude gradient was detected. Point prevalence on 1 January 2019 was calculated to 188.9 per 100,000 (95% CI 188.7–189.1). Regarding treatment, 73.1% of the identified cases received at least once a Disease Modifying Drug. Conclusions: According to this national-level study conducted in Greece, estimated prevalence of MS was found to be similar to those of other European countries. Heterogeneity of MS prevalence across the country was observed and needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Bakirtzis
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, B' Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Grigoriadou
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, B' Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Marina Kleopatra Boziki
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, B' Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kesidou
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, B' Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spyridon Siafis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Theodoros Moysiadis
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Center for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Tsakona
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Center for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Nikolaidis
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, B' Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysa Pourzitaki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kouvelas
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Papazisis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsalikakis
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, B' Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Iljicsov A, Milanovich D, Ajtay A, Oberfrank F, Bálint M, Dobi B, Bereczki D, Simó M. Incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Hungary based on record linkage of nationwide multiple healthcare administrative data. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236432. [PMID: 32716953 PMCID: PMC7384662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives As there were only regional studies in Hungary about the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS), we aimed to estimate its epidemiological features using data of Hungary’s single-payer health insurance system. Methods Pseudonymized database of claims reported by hospitals and outpatient services between 2004–2016 was analyzed and linked with an independent database of outpatient pharmacy refills between 2010–2016. We established an administrative case definition of MS and validated it on medical records of 309 consecutive patients. A subject was defined as MS-patient if received MS diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, code G35) on three or more occasions at least in 2 calendar years and at least once documented by a neurologist. Patients were counted as incident cases in the year of the first submitted claim for MS. We allowed a 6-year-long run-in period, so only data between 2010–2015 are discussed. Results Sensitivity of the administrative case definition turned out to be 99%, while specificity was >99%. Crude prevalence of MS has increased from 109.3/100,000 in 2010 to 130.8/100,000 in 2015 (p-value = 0.000003). Crude incidence declined from 7.1/100,000 (2010) to 5.4/100,000 (2015) (p-value = 0.018). Direct standardization − based on European standard population and results of nationwide Hungarian census of 2011 − revealed that age standardized prevalence was 105.2/100,000 (2010), which has grown to 127.2/100,000 (2015) (p-value = 0.000001). Age standardized incidence rate declined from 6.7/100,000 (2010) to 5.1/100,000 (2015) (p-value = 0.016). The ratio of MS-patients receiving ≥1 prescription for disease modifying treatment increased from 0.19 (2010) to 0.29 (2015) (p-value = 0.0051). The female/male ratio of prevalent cases remained 2.6. Discussion The prevalence of MS in Hungary is higher than previously reported, the incidence rate is moderate. The prevalence is rising, the incidence rate shows decline. The proportion of patients receiving disease modifying treatment grows but was still around 30% in 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Iljicsov
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail: (DB); (AI)
| | | | - András Ajtay
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Neuroepidemiological Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Mónika Bálint
- Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Dobi
- Department of Probability Theory and Statistics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Bereczki
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Neuroepidemiological Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail: (DB); (AI)
| | - Magdolna Simó
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Müller S, Heidler T, Fuchs A, Pfaff A, Ernst K, Ladinek G, Wilke T. Real-World Treatment of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis per MS Subtype and Associated Healthcare Resource Use: An Analysis Based on 13,333 Patients in Germany. Neurol Ther 2020; 9:67-83. [PMID: 31832974 PMCID: PMC7229080 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-019-00172-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to describe the real-word treatment and associated healthcare resource use (HCRU) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, as stratified by different MS subtypes. METHODS All patients with MS continuously insured by two German statutory healthcare insurance funds from 2011 to 2015 were enrolled. These patients were categorized into four subgroups according to their MS type as follows: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS); relapsing remittent MS (RRMS); primary progressive MS (PPMS); and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Sociodemographic characteristics, treatments, and HCRU for 2015 were analyzed. Treatment cascades for treatment-naïve patients were also determined. RESULTS A total of 13,333 patients with MS were identified. The largest proportion of patients had RRMS (41.9%), followed by PPMS (17.1%). Mean age of the enrolled patients was 50.2 years, and 70.7% were female. Among all patients, 38.3% of those with CIS, 22.4% with PPMS, 69.6% with RRMS, and 33.9% with SPMS received a prescription of a disease-modifying immunomodulatory agent, with interferon beta-1a being the most frequently prescribed agent. Likewise, 14.5, 18.5, 19.9, and 21.5% of patients with CIS, PPMS, RRMS, and SPMS, respectively, received a flare-up treatment with glucocorticoids. MS-associated overall costs, including indirect costs for MS-associated days absent from work, were € 16,433, with costs related to MS medication (€ 8770; 53.4%) being the main driver of costs in all subgroups. MS-associated costs according to MS subtypes were € 12,427 for CIS patients, € 14,459 for PPMS patients, € 20,583 for RRMS patients, and € 17,554 for SPMS patients. CONCLUSION Among the four MS subtypes, RRMS patients most often received a disease-modifying immunomodulatory treatment. Consequently, healthcare costs were highest for patients with this MS subtype. Contrary to the treatment guideline, a substantial percentage of patients with CIS, RRMS, and SPMS did not receive any disease-modifying immunomodulatory treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Müller
- Institute for Pharmacoeconomics and Medication Logistics (IPAM), University of Wismar, Alter Holzhafen 19, 23966, Wismar, Germany.
| | - Tobias Heidler
- GWQ PLUS, Tersteegenstrasse 28, 40474, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Fuchs
- AOK PLUS, Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 30, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Pfaff
- AOK Baden-Württemberg, Presselstraße 19, 70191, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Kathrin Ernst
- AOK Baden-Württemberg, Presselstraße 19, 70191, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gunter Ladinek
- Roche Pharma AG, Emil-Barell-Str.1, 79639, Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany
| | - Thomas Wilke
- Institute for Pharmacoeconomics and Medication Logistics (IPAM), University of Wismar, Alter Holzhafen 19, 23966, Wismar, Germany
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Moccia M, Brescia Morra V, Lanzillo R, Loperto I, Giordana R, Fumo MG, Petruzzo M, Capasso N, Triassi M, Sormani MP, Palladino R. Multiple Sclerosis in the Campania Region (South Italy): Algorithm Validation and 2015-2017 Prevalence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103388. [PMID: 32414017 PMCID: PMC7277756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We aim to validate a case-finding algorithm to detect individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) using routinely collected healthcare data, and to assess the prevalence of MS in the Campania Region (South Italy). To identify individuals with MS living in the Campania Region, we employed an algorithm using different routinely collected healthcare administrative databases (hospital discharges, drug prescriptions, outpatient consultations with payment exemptions), from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. The algorithm was validated towards the clinical registry from the largest regional MS centre (n = 1460). We used the direct method to standardise the prevalence rate and the capture-recapture method to estimate the proportion of undetected cases. The case-finding algorithm including individuals with at least one MS record during the study period captured 5362 MS patients (females = 64.4%; age = 44.6 ± 12.9 years), with 99.0% sensitivity (95% CI = 98.3%, 99.4%). Standardised prevalence rate per 100,000 people was 89.8 (95% CI = 87.4, 92.2) (111.8 for females [95% CI = 108.1, 115.6] and 66.2 for males [95% CI = 63.2, 69.2]). The number of expected MS cases was 2.7% higher than cases we detected. We developed a case-finding algorithm for MS using routinely collected healthcare data from the Campania Region, which was validated towards a clinical dataset, with high sensitivity and low proportion of undetected cases. Our prevalence estimates are in line with those reported by international studies conducted using similar methods. In the future, this cohort could be used for studies with high granularity of clinical, environmental, healthcare resource utilisation, and pharmacoeconomic variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Moccia
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.B.M.); (R.L.); (M.P.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel./Fax: +39-081-7462670
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.B.M.); (R.L.); (M.P.); (N.C.)
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.B.M.); (R.L.); (M.P.); (N.C.)
| | - Ilaria Loperto
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.L.); (M.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Roberta Giordana
- Campania Region Healthcare System Commissioner Office, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Martina Petruzzo
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.B.M.); (R.L.); (M.P.); (N.C.)
| | - Nicola Capasso
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.B.M.); (R.L.); (M.P.); (N.C.)
| | - Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.L.); (M.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16121 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Palladino
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.L.); (M.T.); (R.P.)
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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Ohlmeier C, Gothe H, Haas J, Osowski U, Weinhold C, Blauwitz S, Schmedt N, Galetzka W, Berkemeier F, Tackenberg B, Stangel M. Epidemiology, characteristics and treatment of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and incidence of high disease activity: Real world evidence based on German claims data. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231846. [PMID: 32357176 PMCID: PMC7194363 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, immune mediated disease of the central nervous system, with Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) being the most common type. Within the last years, the status of high disease activity (HDA) has become increasingly important for clinical decisions. Nevertheless, little is known about the incidence, the characteristics, and the current treatment of patients with RRMS and HDA in Germany. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the incidence of HDA in a German RRMS patient population, to characterize this population and to describe current drug treatment routines and further healthcare utilization of these patients. METHODS A claims data analyses has been conducted, using a sample of the InGef Research Database that comprises data of approximately four million insured persons from around 70 German statutory health insurances (SHI). The study was conducted in a retrospective cohort design, including the years 2012-2016. Identification of RRMS population based on ICD-10 code (ICD-10-GM: G35.1). For identification of HDA, criteria from other studies as well as expert opinions have been used. Information on incidence, characteristics and current treatment of patients with RRMS and HDA was considered. RESULTS The overall HDA incidence within the RRMS population was 8.5% for 2016. It was highest for the age group of 0-19 years (29.4% women, 33.3% men) and lowest for the age group of ≥ 50 years (4.3% women, 5.6% men). Mean age of patients with RRMS and incident HDA was 38.4 years (SD: 11.8) and women accounted for 67.8%. Analyses of drug utilization showed that 82.4% received at least one disease-modifying drug (DMD) in 2016. A percentage of 49.8% of patients received drugs for relapse therapy. A share of 55% of RRMS patients with HDA had at least one hospitalization with a mean length of stay of 13.9 days (SD: 18.3 days) in 2016. The average number of outpatient physician contacts was 28.1 (SD: 14.0). CONCLUSIONS This study based on representative Germany-wide claims data from the SHI showed a high incidence of HDA especially within the young RRMS population. Future research should consider HDA as an important criterion for the quality of care for MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Ohlmeier
- Department Health Services Research, IGES Institut GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Holger Gothe
- Department Health Services Research, IGES Institut GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Chair for Health Sciences / Public Health, Medical Faculty “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT – University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall i.T., Austria
| | - Judith Haas
- Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Jewish Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Osowski
- Merck Serono GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Carina Weinhold
- Merck Serono GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sarah Blauwitz
- Department Health Services Research, IGES Institut GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Niklas Schmedt
- InGef - Institute for Applied Health Research Berlin GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Galetzka
- InGef - Institute for Applied Health Research Berlin GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Berkemeier
- Department Health Services Research, IGES Institut GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Björn Tackenberg
- Center of Neuroimmunology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Martin Stangel
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Dept. of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Kouchaki E, Nikoueinejad H, Akbari H, Azimi S, Behnam M. The investigation of relevancy between PIAS1 and PIAS2 gene expression and disease severity of multiple sclerosis. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2019; 40:396-406. [PMID: 31084243 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2019.1613244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: PIAS1 and PIAS2 (protein inhibitor of activated STAT 1,2) play key roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This study aims to evaluate the gene expression of these factors in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to healthy individuals and correlate them with the severity of MS. Materials and methods: Sixty participants, including 30 patients with MS and 30 healthy controls were studied. The expression of PIAS1 and PIAS2 genes in peripheral blood samples of all participants was measured by real-time PCR. The severity of MS was evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Finally, we evaluated the correlation between the expression of PIAS1 and PIAS2 genes with disease severity. Results: The expression of PIAS1 gene was increased in patients with MS compared to healthy subjects (P value<.001). Also, there was a significant correlation between the expression of PIAS1 and PIAS2 genes with disease severity according to EDSS. Conclusion: Our study suggests the expression of PIAS1 and PIAS2 genes as a prognostic and diagnostic marker in MS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Kouchaki
- a Physiology Research Center , Kashan University of Medical Sciences , Kashan , Iran.,b Department of Neurology , Kashan University of Medical Sciences , Kashan , Iran
| | - Hassan Nikoueinejad
- c Nephrology and Urology Research Center , Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Hossein Akbari
- d Trauma Research Center , Kashan University of Medical Sciences , Kashan , Iran
| | - Shirin Azimi
- e Student Research Committee , Kashan University of Medical Sciences , Kashan , Iran
| | - Mohammad Behnam
- f Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases , Kashan University of Medical Sciences , Kashan , Iran
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18
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An individual-based model for predicting the prevalence of depression. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Frahm N, Hecker M, Zettl UK. Multi-drug use among patients with multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional study of associations to clinicodemographic factors. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3743. [PMID: 30842515 PMCID: PMC6403326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent immune-mediated disease affecting the central nervous system. A treatment strategy with multiple therapies is a frequent clinical scenario. Unmonitored multi-drug use can lead to adverse outcomes, higher health care costs and medication non-adherence. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of polypharmacy and related clinicodemographic factors in a single-center MS patient cohort. Furthermore, medication aspects of therapy management were examined. After the patients agreed to participate in the study, data were collected through patient interviews, patient records and clinical investigations. Subsequently, a statistical data analysis regarding various medication subgroups and polypharmacy (use of at least five drugs) was performed. Polypharmacy was observed in 56.5% of the patients (N = 306). High degrees of disability (odds ratio [OR] = 1.385), comorbidities (OR = 4.879) and inpatient treatment (OR = 5.146) were associated with a significantly higher risk of polypharmacy (p ≤ 0.001). Among patients with polypharmacy, disease-modifying drugs, antihypertensives, gastrointestinal drugs, thrombosis prophylactics, osteoporosis medications and sedatives were frequently used. In summary, polypharmacy plays a large role in MS patients, especially in those with higher degrees of disability, those with comorbidities and those treated in an inpatient setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Frahm
- Neuroimmunology Section, Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Michael Hecker
- Neuroimmunology Section, Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Uwe Klaus Zettl
- Neuroimmunology Section, Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Culpepper WJ, Marrie RA, Langer-Gould A, Wallin MT, Campbell JD, Nelson LM, Kaye WE, Wagner L, Tremlett H, Chen LH, Leung S, Evans C, Yao S, LaRocca NG. Validation of an algorithm for identifying MS cases in administrative health claims datasets. Neurology 2019; 92:e1016-e1028. [PMID: 30770432 PMCID: PMC6442008 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a valid algorithm for identifying multiple sclerosis (MS) cases in administrative health claims (AHC) datasets. METHODS We used 4 AHC datasets from the Veterans Administration (VA), Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC), Manitoba (Canada), and Saskatchewan (Canada). In the VA, KPSC, and Manitoba, we tested the performance of candidate algorithms based on inpatient, outpatient, and disease-modifying therapy (DMT) claims compared to medical records review using sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and interrater reliability (Youden J statistic) both overall and stratified by sex and age. In Saskatchewan, we tested the algorithms in a cohort randomly selected from the general population. RESULTS The preferred algorithm required ≥3 MS-related claims from any combination of inpatient, outpatient, or DMT claims within a 1-year time period; a 2-year time period provided little gain in performance. Algorithms including DMT claims performed better than those that did not. Sensitivity (86.6%-96.0%), specificity (66.7%-99.0%), positive predictive value (95.4%-99.0%), and interrater reliability (Youden J = 0.60-0.92) were generally stable across datasets and across strata. Some variation in performance in the stratified analyses was observed but largely reflected changes in the composition of the strata. In Saskatchewan, the preferred algorithm had a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value of 99%, and negative predictive value of 96%. CONCLUSIONS The performance of each algorithm was remarkably consistent across datasets. The preferred algorithm required ≥3 MS-related claims from any combination of inpatient, outpatient, or DMT use within 1 year. We recommend this algorithm as the standard AHC case definition for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Culpepper
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY.
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Annette Langer-Gould
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Mitchell T Wallin
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Jonathan D Campbell
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Lorene M Nelson
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Wendy E Kaye
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Laurie Wagner
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Helen Tremlett
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Lie H Chen
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Stella Leung
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Charity Evans
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Shenzhen Yao
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
| | - Nicholas G LaRocca
- From the Department of Veterans Affairs Post Deployment Health Services (W.J.C., M.T.W.), Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence; University of Maryland (W.J.C.), Baltimore; Departments of Internal Medicine and Community Health Sciences (R.A.M., S.L.), Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Neurology Department (A.L.-G., L.H.C.), Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles; Georgetown University School of Medicine (M.T.W.), Washington, DC; University of Colorado (J.C.), Denver; Stanford University School of Medicine (L.M.N.), CA; McKing Consulting Corp (W.E.K., L.W.), Atlanta, GA; Faculty of Medicine (Neurology) and Centre for Brain Health (H.T.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver; College of Pharmacy and Nutrition (C.E.), University of Saskatchewan; Health Quality Council (Saskatchewan) (S.Y.), Saskatoon, Canada; and National Multiple Sclerosis Society (N.G.L.), New York, NY
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GÖKÇE ŞF, ÇİĞDEM B, NEMMEZİ KARACA S, BOLAYIR A, KAYIM YILDIZ Ö, TOPAKTAŞ AS, BALABAN H. Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in an urban population of Sivas province in Turkey. Turk J Med Sci 2019; 49:288-294. [PMID: 30761870 PMCID: PMC7350802 DOI: 10.3906/sag-1808-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disorder that can be a leading cause of nontraumatic disability in several countries. Recent reports have indicated a moderate to high risk of MS in European countries. In this study, we examined the prevalence of MS in a well-defined urban population of provincial center in Sivas Province in Turkey. Materials and methods This study sampled all registered residents of urban areas of provincial center in Sivas Province in April 2017 and 2018 January. All the included patients met the McDonald 2010 criteria. Medical records were reviewed, including all available previously acquired magnetic resonance imaging data. All patients were subsequently subjected to neurologic examination to confirm the MS diagnosis. Results We identified 21 possible MS patients, with MS diagnosis confirmed in 19. The prevalence of MS was 288 per 100,000 inhabitants. Conclusion For future studies, these high ratio results can be used in regional and national comparisons to determine cofactors contributing to the high prevalence of MS in our region and can help health-decision makers to better plan healthcare policies to improve neurological services and awareness about multifaceted clinical presentations of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeyda Figül GÖKÇE
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, SivasTurkey
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| | - Burhanettin ÇİĞDEM
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, SivasTurkey
| | - Sanem NEMMEZİ KARACA
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, SivasTurkey
| | - Aslı BOLAYIR
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, SivasTurkey
| | - Özlem KAYIM YILDIZ
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, SivasTurkey
| | - Ahmet Suat TOPAKTAŞ
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, SivasTurkey
| | - Hatice BALABAN
- Department of Neurology, Sivas Medicana Hospital, SivasTurkey
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Health care services and disease modifying therapies use in community-based multiple sclerosis patients: Evolution from 2013 to 2015 and demographic characteristics. Presse Med 2019; 48:e1-e19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Apolinário-Hagen J, Menzel M, Hennemann S, Salewski C. Acceptance of Mobile Health Apps for Disease Management Among People With Multiple Sclerosis: Web-Based Survey Study. JMIR Form Res 2018; 2:e11977. [PMID: 30684408 PMCID: PMC6334710 DOI: 10.2196/11977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps might have the potential to promote self-management of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in everyday life. However, the uptake of MS apps remains poor, and little is known about the facilitators and barriers for their efficient utilization, such as technology acceptance. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the acceptance of mHealth apps for disease management in the sense of behavioral intentions to use and explore determinants of utilization among people with MS based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Methods Participants for this Web-based cross-sectional study were recruited throughout Germany with the support of regional MS associations and self-help groups. To identify determinants of intention to use MS apps, a measure based on the UTAUT was adapted with 4 key determinants (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions) and extended by Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) and electronic health literacy. Potential influencing effects of both MS and computer self-efficacy (C-SE) as mediators and fatigue as a moderator were analyzed using Hayes’s PROCESS macro (SPSS version 3.0) for IBM SPSS version 24.0. Results A total of 98 participants (mean age 47.03 years, SD 10.17; 66/98, 67% female) with moderate fatigue levels completed the survey. Although most participants (91/98, 92%) were daily smartphone users, almost two-thirds (62/98, 63%) reported no experience with MS apps. Overall, the acceptance was moderate on average (mean 3.11, SD 1.31, minimum=1 and maximum=5), with lower scores among persons with no experience (P=.04) and higher scores among current users (P<.001). In multiple regression analysis (R2=63% variance explained), performance expectancy (beta=.41) and social influence (beta=.33) were identified as significant predictors of acceptance (all P<.001). C-SE was confirmed as a partial mediator in the relationship between IU and acceptance (indirect effect: B=−.095, 95% CI −0.227 to −0.01). Furthermore, a moderated mediation by C-SE was shown in the relationship between IU and behavioral intentions to use MS apps for low (95% CI −0.42 to −0.01) and moderate levels (95% CI −0.27 to −0.01) of fatigue. Conclusions Overall, this exploratory pilot study indicates for the first time that positive expectations about the helpfulness for self-management purposes and social support might be important factors to be considered for improving the acceptance of MS apps among smartphone users with MS. However, given some inconsistent findings, especially regarding the role of effort expectancy and IU and self-efficacy, the conceptual model needs replication with a larger sample of people with MS, varying more in fatigue levels, and a longitudinal assessment of the actual usage of MS apps predicted by acceptance in the sense of behavioral intentions to use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mireille Menzel
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Hagen, Hagen, Germany
| | - Severin Hennemann
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Experimental Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christel Salewski
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Hagen, Hagen, Germany
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Daltrozzo T, Hapfelmeier A, Donnachie E, Schneider A, Hemmer B. A Systematic Assessment of Prevalence, Incidence and Regional Distribution of Multiple Sclerosis in Bavaria From 2006 to 2015. Front Neurol 2018; 9:871. [PMID: 30425676 PMCID: PMC6218432 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Worldwide, incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) have increased over the last decades. We present a systematic epidemiological study with recent prevalence and incidence rates of MS in Bavaria. Methods: Incidence and prevalence of MS stratified by gender, age groups and region were analyzed by data records from 2006 to 2015 of more than 10 million people insured by the Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. Official statistics of the German Federal Ministry of Health provided the size of the general population. Future prevalence was estimated with a predictive model. Results: From 2006 to 2015 prevalence of MS in Bavaria increased from 171 per 100,000 to 277 per 100,000, while incidence rates remained relatively stable (range 16-18 per 100,000 inhabitants with a female to male ratio between 2.4:1 and 2:1). Incidence and prevalence were higher in urban than urbanized and rural areas. The prevalence is expected to increase to 374 per 100,000 in 2040 with the highest prevalence rates between 50 and 65 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of MS in Bavaria is among the highest worldwide and will further rise over the next two decades. This demonstrates a need to strengthen healthcare provision systems due to the increasing numbers of particularly older patients with MS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Daltrozzo
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Hapfelmeier
- School of Medicine, Institute of Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ewan Donnachie
- National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Bavaria, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonius Schneider
- Institute of General Practice School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hemmer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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Oberfrank F, Ajtay A, Bereczki D. Demand for neurological services in Central Eastern Europe: a 10-year national survey in Hungary. Eur J Neurol 2018; 25:984-990. [PMID: 29603492 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In order to plan neurological capacities at a national level for the next decade, the current use of neurological services should be evaluated. We analyzed the utilization of neurological services in Hungary, a country with a single-payer health insurance system covering the whole population. METHODS We created a database from medical reports submitted to the National Health Insurance Fund from all hospitals and outpatient services between 2004 and 2013. The number of subjects presenting to the neurological healthcare system and their major diagnoses by 10th International Classification of Diseases categories were analyzed. The overall healthcare service utilization of these patients was also estimated. RESULTS Of the 10 million inhabitants, 2.9 million people used an inpatient or outpatient neurological service at least once over the 10-year period. Annually, 1% of the population was admitted to neurological inpatient wards and 6% of the population used some neurological outpatient service. Major reasons for using neurological services were: cerebrovascular diseases (I60-I69; 1.2 million patients), episodic and paroxysmal disorders (G40-G47; 1.3 million patients) and general symptoms and signs (R50-R56; 1.3 million patients). The 2.9 million people had 12.7 million hospital admissions to any ward and 365.7 million outpatient visits to any specialist during the 10 years. CONCLUSIONS The demand for neurological services is high in Hungary; close to 30% of the population used an inpatient or outpatient neurological service at least once during this 10-year period. Results from this project provide data for international comparisons and help to ensure better informed and more focused resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Oberfrank
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest
| | - A Ajtay
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - D Bereczki
- Department of Neurology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Flachenecker P, Kobelt G, Berg J, Capsa D, Gannedahl M. New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Germany. Mult Scler 2018. [PMID: 28643593 DOI: 10.1177/1352458517708141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 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 5475 patients (mean age 52 years) participated in Germany. In all, 84% were below retirement age, and of these, 51% were employed. Employment was related to disease severity, and MS affected productivity at work for 80% of patients. Overall, 96% and 78% of patients experienced fatigue and cognitive difficulties as a problem, respectively. The mean utility and total annual costs were 0.786 and 28,200€ at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0-3, 0.586 and €44,000 at EDSS 4-6.5 and 0.273 and €62,700 at EDSS 7-9, respectively. The mean cost of a relapse was estimated at €2500. CONCLUSION This study provides current health economic data on MS in Germany that are important for the development of health policies and for estimating the value of the current and future treatments.
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Schmedt N, Khil L, Berger K, Riedel O. Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis in Germany: A Cohort Study Applying Different Case Definitions Based on Claims Data. Neuroepidemiology 2017; 49:91-98. [DOI: 10.1159/000481990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Foulon S, Maura G, Dalichampt M, Alla F, Debouverie M, Moreau T, Weill A. Prevalence and mortality of patients with multiple sclerosis in France in 2012: a study based on French health insurance data. J Neurol 2017; 264:1185-1192. [PMID: 28516332 PMCID: PMC5486573 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8513-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Data on the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in France are scarce. National and regional updated estimates are needed to better plan health policies. In this nationwide study, we provided estimates of the prevalence of MS in France in 2012 and mortality rate in 2013. MS cases were identified in the French national health insurance database (SNIIRAM-PMSI) using reimbursement data for disease-modifying treatment, long-term disease status for MS, disability pension for MS, and hospitalisation for MS (MS ICD-10 code: G35). We identified 99,123 MS cases, corresponding to an overall crude prevalence rate of 151.2 per 100,000 inhabitants [95% confidence interval (CI) 150.3-152.2]: 210.0 per 100,000 in women (95% CI 208.4-211.5) and 88.7 per 100,000 in men (95% CI 87.6-89.7). The overall prevalence rate was 155.6 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 154.7-156.6) after standardization on the 2013-European population. We observed a prevalence gradient with a higher prevalence (190-200 per 100,000) in North-Eastern France and a lower prevalence in Southern and Western France (126-140). The crude mortality rate in 2013 was 13.7 per 1,000 MS cases (11.4 in women and 20.3 in men). The standardized mortality ratio was 2.56 (95% CI 2.41-2.72). Our results revise upwards the estimation of MS prevalence in France and confirm the excess mortality of MS patients compared to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Foulon
- Department of Studies in Public Health, French National Health Insurance, Paris, 75986, Cedex 20, France.
| | - Géric Maura
- Department of Studies in Public Health, French National Health Insurance, Paris, 75986, Cedex 20, France
| | - Marie Dalichampt
- Department of Studies in Public Health, French National Health Insurance, Paris, 75986, Cedex 20, France
| | - François Alla
- General Direction, French National Health Insurance, Paris, France
| | - Marc Debouverie
- Department of Neurology, Nancy University Hospital and Inserm CIC 1433, Nancy, France
| | - Thibault Moreau
- Department of Neurology, Dijon University Hospital, Dijon, France
| | - Alain Weill
- Department of Studies in Public Health, French National Health Insurance, Paris, 75986, Cedex 20, France
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Ziemssen T, Prosser C, Haas JS, Lee A, Braun S, Landsman-Blumberg P, Kempel A, Gleißner E, Patel S, Huang MY. Healthcare resource use and costs of multiple sclerosis patients in Germany before and during fampridine treatment. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:62. [PMID: 28347283 PMCID: PMC5369011 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients often suffer from gait impairment and fampridine is indicated to medically improve walking ability in this population. Patient characteristics, healthcare resource use, and costs of MS patients on fampridine treatment for 12 months in Germany were analyzed. Methods A retrospective claims database analysis was conducted including MS patients who initiated fampridine treatment (index date) between July 2011 and December 2013. Continuous insurance enrollment during 12 months pre- and post-index date was required, as was at least 1 additional fampridine prescription in the fourth quarter after the index date. Patient characteristics were evaluated and pre- vs post-index MS-related healthcare utilization and costs were compared. Results A total of 562 patients were included in this study. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 50.5 (9.8) years and 63% were female. In the treatment period, almost every patient had at least 1 MS-related outpatient visit, 24% were hospitalized due to MS, and 79% utilized MS-specific physical therapy in addition to the fampridine treatment. Total MS-related healthcare costs were significantly higher in the fampridine treatment period than in the period prior to fampridine initiation (€17,392 vs €10,960, P < 0.001). While this difference was driven primarily by prescription costs, MS-related inpatient costs were lower during fampridine treatment (€1,333 vs €1,565, P < 0.001). Conclusions Physical therapy is mainly used concomitant to fampridine treatment. While healthcare costs were higher during fampridine treatment compared to the pre-treatment period, inpatient costs were lower. Further research is necessary to better understand the fampridine influence. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-017-0844-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjalf Ziemssen
- Universitätsklinium Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Angela Kempel
- Biogen GmbH, Carl-Zeiss-Ring 6, 85737, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Erika Gleißner
- Biogen GmbH, Carl-Zeiss-Ring 6, 85737, Ismaning, Germany
| | - Sarita Patel
- Biogen GmbH, Carl-Zeiss-Ring 6, 85737, Ismaning, Germany
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Watson C, Prosser C, Braun S, Landsman-Blumberg PB, Gleissner E, Naoshy S. Health care resource utilization before and after natalizumab initiation among patients with multiple sclerosis in Germany. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2017; 9:85-97. [PMID: 28203098 PMCID: PMC5293187 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s117962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, greatly impacts the quality of life and economic status of people affected by this disease. In Germany, the total annual cost of MS is estimated at €40,000 per person with MS. Natalizumab has shown to slow MS disease progression, reduce relapses, and improve the quality of life of people with MS. Objective To evaluate MS-related and all-cause health care resource utilization and costs among German MS patients during the 12 months before and after initiation of natalizumab in a real-world setting. Methods The current analysis was conducted using the Health Risk Institute research database. Identified patients were aged ≥18 years with ≥1 diagnosis of MS and had initiated natalizumab therapy (index), with 12-month pre– and post–index-period data. Patients were stratified by prior disease-modifying therapy (DMT) usage or no DMT usage in the pre-index period. Outcome measures included corticosteroid use and number of sick/disability days, inpatient stays, and outpatient visits. Health care costs were calculated separately for pre- and post-index periods on a per-patient basis and adjusted for inflation. Results In a final sample of 193 natalizumab-treated patients, per-patient MS-related corticosteroid use was reduced by 62.3%, MS-related sick days by 27.6%, and inpatient costs by 78.3% from the pre- to post-index period. Furthermore, the proportion of patients with MS-related hospitalizations decreased from 49.7% to 14.0% (P<0.001); this reduction was seen for patients with and without prior DMT use. Conclusions In a real-world setting in Germany, initiation of natalizumab treatment in people with MS significantly reduced MS-related hospitalizations, corticosteroid use, sick days, and associated costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Watson
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Global Market Access, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarah Naoshy
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Global Market Access, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is characterized by a non-homogeneous distribution around the world. Some authors in past described a latitude gradient, with increasing risk from the equator to North and South Poles, but this theory is still controversial. Regarding Europe, there are many articles in the literature concerning the epidemiology of this disease but, unfortunately, they are not always comparable due to different methodologies, they do not cover all countries in the continent, and most of them reported data of small areas and rarely at a national level. In 2012 there were 20 national registries that could help to describe the epidemiology of the disease and, in addition, there is an European Register for Multiple Sclerosis that collect data from already existing national or regional MS registries and databases. Another valid alternative to obtain epidemiological data, also at national level, in a routinely and cost-saving way is through administrative data that are of increasing interest in the last years.
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Bargagli AM, Colais P, Agabiti N, Mayer F, Buttari F, Centonze D, Di Folco M, Filippini G, Francia A, Galgani S, Gasperini C, Giuliani M, Mirabella M, Nociti V, Pozzilli C, Davoli M. Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the Lazio region, Italy: use of an algorithm based on health information systems. J Neurol 2016; 263:751-9. [PMID: 26886201 PMCID: PMC4826660 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Compared with other areas of the country, very limited data are available on multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Central Italy. We aimed to estimate MS prevalence in the Lazio region and its geographical distribution using regional health information systems (HIS). To identify MS cases we used data from drug prescription, hospital discharge and ticket exemption registries. Crude, age- and gender-specific prevalence estimates on December 31, 2011 were calculated. To compare MS prevalence between different areas within the region, we calculated age- and gender-adjusted prevalence and prevalence ratios using a multivariate Poisson regression model. Crude prevalence rate was 130.5/100,000 (95 % CI 127.5–133.5): 89.7/100,000 for males and 167.9/100,000 for females. The overall prevalence rate standardized to the European Standard Population was 119.6/100,000 (95 % CI 116.8–122.4). We observed significant differences in MS prevalence within the region, with estimates ranging from 96.3 (95 % CI 86.4–107.3) for Latina to 169.6 (95 % CI 147.6–194.9) for Rieti. Most districts close to the coast showed lower prevalence estimates compared to those situated in the eastern mountainous area of the region. In conclusion, this study produced a MS prevalence estimate at regional level using population-based health administrative databases. Our results showed the Lazio region is a high-risk area for MS, although with an uneven geographical distribution. While some limitations must be considered including possible prevalence underestimation, HIS represent a valuable source of information to measure the burden of SM, useful for epidemiological surveillance and healthcare planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Bargagli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Colais
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy
| | - Nera Agabiti
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy.
| | - Flavia Mayer
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Buttari
- MS Clinical and Research Center, Tor Vergata University and Hospital, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- MS Clinical and Research Center, Tor Vergata University and Hospital, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Marta Di Folco
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Ada Francia
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Galgani
- Department of Neurosciences, S Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Department of Neurosciences, S Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Giuliani
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, S Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa 1037, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mirabella
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Catholic University, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Nociti
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Catholic University, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Neurorehabilitation, Don C Gnocchi Foundation, Via Pier Alessandro Paravia 71, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, S Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa 1037, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy
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