Healthcare utilization and costs of multiple sclerosis patients in the Netherlands: a healthcare claims database study.

AIM: To investigate the incidence and prevalence and healthcare costs of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Netherlands by using healthcare claims data.

MATERIALS & METHODS: A claims database was analyzed including 26% of the Dutch population.

RESULTS: Average prevalence of MS in the Netherlands was 88 per 100,000 inhabitants (males 48, 127 females) and incidence nine per 100,000. Yearly per patient medication costs were highest in the year after the first MS claim and then decreased. Hospital costs were 30% higher in the first year of MS claims than after 3 years of MS claims. The patients often used co-medication, such as antidepressants and antibiotics.

CONCLUSION: Dutch incidence and cost estimates based on claims were consistent with previous estimates. Prevalence estimates were somewhat higher. Drug and hospital costs were highest shortly after the diagnosis. Healthcare consumption related to comorbidities was in-line with the previously reported comorbidity estimates.