Contributions
Abstract: EP1435
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Economic burden
Introduction: Fingolimod is an oral disease-modifying drug in MS and has shown to be highly efficient in reducing MS inflammation, but its impact on work ability has so far not been studied.
Objectives: To assess sick leave (short-term absence), disability pension (long-term absence) and unemployment before and after start of treatment with fingolimod.
Method: Patients in working age (n=105) who were switched from first-line treatments to fingolimod during October 2011 to March 2013 were selected from the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, a nationwide registry with 78% cover. For each patient 2 matched controls on first-line drugs were selected from the same registry. The match was based on age, sex and disease duration. For each patient data from 10 matched non-MS controls of the general population in the same region was collected. The outcome variables; level of sick leave and disability pension (both part- and full-time), were collected from the Social Insurance Agency and unemployment from the Swedish Public Employment Service. The variables were measured for each quarter, 2 years before and 3 years after index. The index was defined as the time point when the fingolimod patients switch from the first-line treatment to fingolimod.
Result: The final sample comprised 105 patients on fingolimod, 210 patients on first-line drugs and 525 controls from the general population (mean age 41 years; 61% female). Median level of Expanded Disability Status Scale for the fingolimod patients was 2.5 and 1.5 for the first-line patients. The mean prevalence of sick leave ranged from 24% 3 months before index (start with fingolimod) to 13% 3 years after index among fingolimod patients, 8% to 6% among first-line patients controls and 6% to 7% among general population controls. Corresponding estimates for disability pension were 32% to 38% for fingolimod patients and 23% to 27% for first line controls and 4% to 4% for the general population controls. Baseline levels of unemployment was highest among the fingolimod patients, with a peak one year after start and subsequent reduction the following two years ending below baseline.
Conclusion: The results in this study indicate that MS patients switching from first line treatments to fingolimod can benefit regarding their work productivity. The rate of sick leave was reduced within 1 year after start of fingolimod and lasts at least 3 years. The reduction also lasts after adjustment for disability pension and unemployment.
Disclosure: Anne Wickström; nothing to disclose
Charlotte Dahle; nothing to disclose
Gabriel Granåsen; nothing to disclose
Abstract: EP1435
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - Economic burden
Introduction: Fingolimod is an oral disease-modifying drug in MS and has shown to be highly efficient in reducing MS inflammation, but its impact on work ability has so far not been studied.
Objectives: To assess sick leave (short-term absence), disability pension (long-term absence) and unemployment before and after start of treatment with fingolimod.
Method: Patients in working age (n=105) who were switched from first-line treatments to fingolimod during October 2011 to March 2013 were selected from the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, a nationwide registry with 78% cover. For each patient 2 matched controls on first-line drugs were selected from the same registry. The match was based on age, sex and disease duration. For each patient data from 10 matched non-MS controls of the general population in the same region was collected. The outcome variables; level of sick leave and disability pension (both part- and full-time), were collected from the Social Insurance Agency and unemployment from the Swedish Public Employment Service. The variables were measured for each quarter, 2 years before and 3 years after index. The index was defined as the time point when the fingolimod patients switch from the first-line treatment to fingolimod.
Result: The final sample comprised 105 patients on fingolimod, 210 patients on first-line drugs and 525 controls from the general population (mean age 41 years; 61% female). Median level of Expanded Disability Status Scale for the fingolimod patients was 2.5 and 1.5 for the first-line patients. The mean prevalence of sick leave ranged from 24% 3 months before index (start with fingolimod) to 13% 3 years after index among fingolimod patients, 8% to 6% among first-line patients controls and 6% to 7% among general population controls. Corresponding estimates for disability pension were 32% to 38% for fingolimod patients and 23% to 27% for first line controls and 4% to 4% for the general population controls. Baseline levels of unemployment was highest among the fingolimod patients, with a peak one year after start and subsequent reduction the following two years ending below baseline.
Conclusion: The results in this study indicate that MS patients switching from first line treatments to fingolimod can benefit regarding their work productivity. The rate of sick leave was reduced within 1 year after start of fingolimod and lasts at least 3 years. The reduction also lasts after adjustment for disability pension and unemployment.
Disclosure: Anne Wickström; nothing to disclose
Charlotte Dahle; nothing to disclose
Gabriel Granåsen; nothing to disclose