Costs of illness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a cross-sectional survey in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Consequently, patients undergo a multidisciplinary treatment that often requires intensive use of medical resources. This study provides an estimate on the cost of illness depending on the clinical severity while also analysing the patients' health-related quality of life.

Methods

Primary data from patients and caregivers was collected through a standardised questionnaire. Direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect costs were calculated using the latest German health economic guidelines. Patients were divided into five groups according to the King's staging system. Health-related quality of life was assessed using EuroQoL Group EQ-5D-5L™ questionnaire. Influencing factors on both total

SUBMITTER: Schonfelder E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7291655 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature