Healthcare costs and burden of myasthenia gravis for patients and society: a systematic review.

What was studied

This review looked at the cost of myasthenia gravis (MG). Costly new MG therapies have been approved lately. Many more are on the way. Cost-benefit analyses can help define when to start and stop such treatments. The team searched the literature on MG, health resources and costs. At the outset 1374 records turned up. 44 made it into the final review.

What they found

Direct costs cover treatment and follow-up in primary and specialist care. Direct Nordic costs were 3 500 to 12 000 euros per patient per year. Other European countries were similar. The United States was higher. Indirect costs cover lost productivity and welfare payments. They also cover lost time for medical follow-up and lost productivity for caregivers. Indirect Nordic costs were 2 500 to 8 700 euros per patient per year. The highest figures counted all indirect costs. Reports show a marked fall in working capacity and more welfare payments. Intangible costs cover lost life-years and lower quality of life. They are rarely assessed. Their share of total societal MG costs has been estimated.

What it means for patients

The authors say total MG costs belong in cost-benefit analyses. They should sit beside the expected gains from new treatments. They say precise cost knowledge is essential for healthcare planning. They say it helps keep optimal treatments available.

Why it is not certain yet

Intangible costs are rarely assessed. The figures given are for the Nordic countries. The highest indirect figures counted all indirect costs. A review can only be as good as the studies in it.

Source

Healthcare costs and burden of myasthenia gravis for patients and society: a systematic review.

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