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Wenzel L, Heesen C, Peper J, Grentzenberg K, Faßhauer E, Scheiderbauer J, Thale F, Meyer B, Köpke S, Rahn AC. An interactive web-based programme on relapse management for people with multiple sclerosis (POWER@MS2) - development, feasibility, and pilot testing of a complex intervention. Front Neurol 2022; 13:914814. [PMID: 36212638 PMCID: PMC9538652 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.914814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the lack of high-quality evidence regarding its long-term effectiveness, intravenous corticosteroid therapy is recommended as the standard treatment of acute multiple sclerosis relapses in Germany. High financial expenses and the equivalent effectiveness of oral corticosteroid therapy contrast with this trend. There is an urgent need to provide patients with evidence-based and comprehensible information on relapse management and to actively involve patients in relapse treatment decisions. Web-based decision support on relapse management could be an effective measure to empower people with multiple sclerosis making informed treatment decisions. Objectives To develop a web-based programme on relapse management for people with multiple sclerosis and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Methods The study followed the first two phases of the UK Medical Research Council Framework for complex interventions. The first phase involved the development of an interactive web-based programme on relapse management. The second phase focused on the feasibility and pilot testing of the programme with people with multiple sclerosis and experts with a professional background in multiple sclerosis. Data was obtained using questionnaires with closed- and open-ended questions as well as qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively, whereas qualitative data was clustered by topic. Results Feasibility of the intervention programme was tested with 10 people with multiple sclerosis and 10 experts. Feasibility testing indicated good practicability and acceptance of the content. After revision, the programme was piloted with seven people with multiple sclerosis and three experts. The results showed good acceptance in both groups. Based on the feedback, a final revision was performed. Conclusion Feasibility and pilot testing indicated good user-friendliness, acceptance, and practicability of the programme. The programme is currently evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (Registration Number on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04233970). It is expected that the programme will have a positive impact on patients' relapse management and strengthen their autonomy and participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Wenzel
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Nursing Science, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Lisa Wenzel
| | - Christoph Heesen
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Peper
- Nursing Research Unit, Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kristina Grentzenberg
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Edeltraud Faßhauer
- Deutsche Multiple Sklerose Gesellschaft, Bundesverband e.V., Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Sascha Köpke
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Nursing Science, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anne Christin Rahn
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis (INIMS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Nursing Research Unit, Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Hunter SF, Bindra J, Chopra I, Niewoehner J, Panaccio MP, Wan GJ. Cost-Effectiveness of Repository Corticotropin Injection for the Treatment of Acute Exacerbations in Multiple Sclerosis. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2021; 13:883-892. [PMID: 34675568 PMCID: PMC8523315 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s330118] [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: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Relapses are common among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) despite treatment with disease-modifying therapies. Repository corticotropin injection (RCI, Acthar® Gel), plasmapheresis (PMP), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) are alternative therapies for MS relapse. There is a dearth of economic assessments of these therapies for the acute exacerbations of MS. This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of RCI compared to PMP or IVIg. Methods A Markov state-transition model compared outcomes (costs, relapses, remission, and utilities) with RCI versus PMP or IVIg for the acute exacerbations in MS. The model was developed from the United States (US) payer and societal perspectives over one to three years. Patients initiated on alternative therapies were evaluated in one-day increments for the first 30 days during treatment. The model assumes the natural history of MS after treatment in the first month, adjusting for the effect of treatment. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated as cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. The uncertainty in model parameters was evaluated in probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results In the base case, RCI has an ICER of USD 42,078 per QALY compared to PMP over one year from the payer perspective and is dominant over two and three years; RCI is dominant compared to PMP from the societal perspective over all three years. Compared to IVIg, RCI is a dominant strategy from both payer and societal perspectives over all three years. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis supports the base case findings, suggesting that RCI may be cost-effective versus PMP and IVIg for acute exacerbations in MS. Conclusion RCI is a cost-effective alternative treatment for MS relapses compared to PMP and IVIg from the US payer and societal perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jas Bindra
- Falcon Research Group, North Potomac, MD, USA
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Waltrip RW, Mahler N, Ahsan A, Herbert LB. Effect of Health Care Providers' Focused Discussion and Proactive Education About Relapse Management on Patient Reporting of Multiple Sclerosis Relapse. Int J MS Care 2021; 23:151-156. [PMID: 34483753 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2020-018] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse include intravenous corticosteroids and repository corticotropin injection. Despite available treatment, in the Multiple Sclerosis in America 2017 survey, only 47% of patients reported always/often contacting their MS health care provider (HCP) during relapse. In this study, the Multiple Sclerosis in America 2017 survey participants who received intravenous corticosteroids or repository corticotropin injection for treatment of past relapses completed a follow-up survey to understand how patients characterize relapse severity and to explore predictors of patients contacting their HCP during a relapse. Methods Patients were 18 years and older, diagnosed as having MS by an HCP, and currently using disease-modifying therapy. Patients completed an online survey assessing relapse characteristics and interactions with the HCP treating the patient's MS. Regression analysis identified predictors of patients contacting their HCP during relapse. Results Mean age of the 126 respondents was 49.2 years, 81.0% were female, and most (80.2%) had one or more relapses in the past 2 years. Patients estimated that 38.3% of their relapses were mild; 45.1%, moderate; and 16.6%, severe. Number and frequency of symptoms increased with relapse severity. Less than half (46.0%) reported they were extremely likely to contact their HCP during a relapse. The best predictors of being likely to contact the HCP during relapse were the HCP having previously discussed the importance of immediately communicating a relapse and patients' willingness to accept the HCP's recommendation for relapse treatment. Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of HCPs' advance discussions with patients with MS regarding relapse management to increase the likelihood patients will contact their HCP during relapse.
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Moussa M, Abou Chakra M, Papatsoris AG, Dabboucy B, Hsieh M, Dellis A, Fares Y. Perspectives on urological care in multiple sclerosis patients. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2021; 10:62-74. [PMID: 33996350 PMCID: PMC8122310 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2021.01029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Lower urinary tract dysfunction due to MS includes a dysfunction of the storage phase or dysfunction of the voiding phase or a detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Baseline evaluation includes a voiding chart, an ultrasound scan of the urinary tract, urine culture, and an urodynamic study. For storage symptoms, antimuscarinics are the first-line treatment, and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is indicated if there is concomitant incomplete bladder emptying. Intradetrusor injections with botulinum toxin A (BTX-A), are recommended for refractory cases. Urinary diversion is rarely indicated. For patients with voiding symptoms, CIC and alpha-blockers are usually offered. Sexual dysfunction in patients with MS is multifactorial. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are first-line therapies for MS-associated erectile dysfunction in both male and female patients. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, genetic, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tests, and management of MS. Lastly, the urologic outcomes and therapies are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Moussa
- Chairman of Urology Department, Lebanese University & Al Zahraa Hospital, University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Abou Chakra
- Urology Department, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Address correspondence to:Mohamad Abou Chakra, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Lebanese University. Beirut, Lebanon. E-mail:
| | - Athanasios G. Papatsoris
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Sismanoglio Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Baraa Dabboucy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Michael Hsieh
- Division of Urology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, USA
- Department of Urology, The George Washington University, Washington, USA
| | - Athanasios Dellis
- Department of Urology/General Surgery, Areteion Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Youssef Fares
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Wan GJ, Chopra I, Niewoehner J, Hunter SF. Cost per response analysis of repository corticotropin injection versus other alternative treatments for acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. Drugs Context 2021; 9:dic-2020-9-4. [PMID: 33408750 PMCID: PMC7747790 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2020-9-4] [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: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Relapses are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) even after the use of disease-modifying therapies. Repository corticotropin injection (RCI), plasmapheresis (PMP), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) may be utilized as alternative therapies in the management of MS relapse. There is a lack of health economic studies on these alternative therapies for the acute exacerbations of MS. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost per response of RCI compared with PMP or IVIg from the United States (US) commercial payer perspective. Methods Costs and response rates were sourced from published peer-reviewed observational studies. The cost of care included MS-related inpatient, outpatient, and medication costs. Treatment response was defined as no evidence of additional relapse treatment or procedure claims within 30 days after treatment. The cost per response for each treatment was calculated by dividing the total annual cost of care by the proportion of patients with resolved relapse for each treatment. The incremental cost per response ratio was calculated by dividing the difference in costs and the proportion of responses for RCI versus PMP or IVIg. One-way sensitivity analysis (OWSA) was conducted for both costs and response rates. All included costs were inflated to the 2019 US dollars. Results With a lower total annual cost of care and a higher response rate, RCI had a lower cost per response (US$141,970) compared with PMP or IVIg (US$253,331). RCI had a lower cost per response even when more stringent estimates for RCI were applied in the OWSA. The annual cost of care had a greater influence on the cost per response in the OWSA. Conclusions Based on the estimates from the real-world evidence, our economic evaluation suggests that RCI may have real-world clinical and economic benefits for patients with MS relapse who fail on corticosteroid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- George J Wan
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Bedminster, NJ, USA
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Consequences of Insurance Denials Among U.S. Patients Prescribed Repository Corticotropin Injection for Acute Exacerbations of Multiple Sclerosis. Neurol Ther 2020; 10:149-167. [PMID: 33170434 PMCID: PMC8140003 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-020-00219-y] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Repository corticotropin injection (RCI; Acthar® Gel) is indicated for the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. Despite the well-documented clinical and economic benefits of RCI, many patients are denied use of the therapy by third-party payers. This study aims to understand the demographic and clinical characteristics of MS relapse patients who received a prescription for RCI from their physicians and then were either approved or denied treatment by their insurers. The study compares measurable clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) between approved and denied cohorts. Methods A retrospective analysis of adults experiencing MS relapse from January 2015 to December 2018 was conducted using a de-identified open-source claims database [Symphony Health Integrated Dataverse® (IDV)]. Patients were identified using ICD codes for MS and considered to have relapsing/remitting type according to established claims-based methodology. Clinical characteristics and HCRU were analyzed during the year preceding (“baseline”) and the year following (“follow-up”) each patient’s index date, defined as the date of a patient’s first approved RCI claim (for patients with ≥ 1 approved claim) or first denied RCI claim (for patients with only denied claims). Baseline characteristics were reported with unadjusted differences and p values indicating the significance of characteristics between the two cohorts. For outcomes, match-adjusted results were reported using propensity matching to account for underlying differences between cohorts. Results The study sample included 1902 MS relapse patients with at least one claim for RCI. At baseline, approved patients were slightly older compared to denied patients (mean age 48.0 vs. 47.2), had higher rates of hemiplegia/paraplegia (6.7% vs. 3.3%), greater mobility impairment (17% vs. 11.5%), more exacerbation episodes (66.2% vs. 59.9%), and a higher number of physical therapy/rehab claims (23.5 vs. 14.0), respectively. Outcomes among the matched sample show an increased use of corticosteroids for patients denied access to RCI compared to approved patients (51.1% vs. 42.4%), more exacerbation episodes (36.6% vs. 28.2%), and an increased number of physical therapy/rehab claims (11.5% vs. 9.9%), respectively. Conclusion The results of this study may aid providers and payers in evaluating scenarios where RCI may be beneficial and improve quality of care for patients experiencing MS relapse.
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Bhatia R, Srivastava MVP, Khurana D, Pandit L, Mathew T, Gupta S, Netravathi M, Nair SS, Singh G, Singhal BS. Consensus Statement On Immune Modulation in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Expert Group on Behalf of the Indian Academy of Neurology. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2020; 23:S5-S14. [PMID: 32419748 PMCID: PMC7213028 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.282442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge related to SARS-CoV-2 or 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is still emerging and rapidly evolving. We know little about the effects of this novel coronavirus on various body systems and its behaviour among patients with underlying neurological conditions, especially those on immunomodulatory medications. The aim of the present consensus expert opinion document is to appraise the potential concerns when managing our patients with underlying CNS autoimmune demyelinating disorders during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Bhatia
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - M V Padma Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Dheeraj Khurana
- Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Lekha Pandit
- Department of Neurology, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Thomas Mathew
- Department of Neurology, St John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Salil Gupta
- Department of Neurology, Command Hospital Air Force, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - M Netravathi
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sruthi S Nair
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Neurology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Bhim S Singhal
- Department of Neurology, Bombay Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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