Healthcare costs and burden of myasthenia gravis for patients and society: a systematic review.
Nils Erik Gilhus, Selma Conradi Melsom, Christoffer Bugge
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined healthcare and societal costs associated with myasthenia gravis (MG), including 44 studies selected from 1,374 records. In Nordic countries, estimated direct costs were €3 500-12 000 per patient per year, while indirect costs were €2 500-8 700 per patient per year. The review also found reports of reduced working capacity and increased welfare payments related to MG. Intangible costs, including lost life-years and reduced quality of life, were rarely assessed but were estimated to account for half of total societal MG costs.
Key findings
- Estimated direct costs in Nordic countries were €3 500-12 000 per MG patient per year; costs were similar elsewhere in Europe and higher in the United States.
- Estimated indirect costs in Nordic countries were €2 500-8 700 per patient per year, with the highest estimates including all indirect costs.
- Reduced working capacity and increased welfare payments due to MG were reported.
- Intangible costs were rarely assessed but were estimated to represent half of total societal MG costs.
Why it matters
Assessing MG treatment value requires accounting for more than healthcare spending: productivity losses, welfare payments, caregiver impacts, and reduced quality of life may contribute substantially to the overall burden. These costs are relevant to cost-benefit analyses of new therapies and to healthcare planning, although the review indicates that some components, particularly intangible costs, are infrequently measured.
What to keep in mind
The review reports that intangible costs are rarely assessed, and cost estimates vary across countries and according to which indirect costs are included.