Increased healthcare utilization in the year before multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024 Mar;83:105438
Date
01/20/2024Pubmed ID
38242052DOI
10.1016/j.msard.2024.105438Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85183017643 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested possible multiple sclerosis (MS) prodrome with non-routine healthcare utilization as an indicator. The objective of this project was to compare utilization in the four years (years -1, -2, -3, -4) before clinically definite diagnosis and examine demographic associations.
METHODS: i2B2 database search at the Medical College of Wisconsin Comprehensive MS center yielded 613 patients between 07/01/2018 and 07/01/2022. Patients with established MS diagnosis, MS mimicker diagnoses, and pediatric-onset MS were excluded; 108 met the criteria for adult patients ≥ 18 years of age newly diagnosed with clinically definite MS after manual chart review. Utilization score for each of the four years before diagnosis was calculated; demographic variables were also collected. Adjusted repeated measures mixed model and Pearson correlation analysis were performed; P value was set at <0.05 for statistical significance.
RESULTS: Utilization was greatest for year -1 compared to years -2, -3, and -4 after demographics adjustment (p < 0.001). Utilization was greater (p < 0.05) for older age and unmarried, patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Utilization increased a year before formal MS diagnosis, suggestive of prodromal presentation.
Author List
Razzak AN, Hernandez RS, Salter A, Obeidat AZAuthor
Ahmed Zayed Obeidat MD, PhD Associate Professor in the Neurology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultChild
Delivery of Health Care
Hospitals
Humans
Multiple Sclerosis
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Research Design
