SMA Progression Associated With Increased Costs, Resource Utilization

Disease progression in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is associated with increased costs and health care resource utilization (HCRU) over time, a Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases study shows.

Researchers conducted a natural history study to assess symptoms, complications, costs, and HCRU in patients with SMA over 3 years before disease-modifying therapies were available.

The study included patients aged 18 years or older who were treated in US hospitals. Participants had 2 or more primary or secondary SMA ICD-9 codes at least 30 days apart in the Premier Healthcare Database between 2007 and 2014. Researchers measured frequency of symptoms and complications 1-year preindex through 2-years postindex, with the index date set at the first ICD-9 code.

The final study included 446 patients from 337 hospitals. Researchers found that all evaluated SMA symptoms and complications increased steadily over time. HCRU increased with total costs at $1759 preindex and $12,308 postindex. 

“Findings are consistent with increasing disease burden over time and support the progressive nature of SMA for adult patients with hospital interactions,” researchers concluded. 

Reference:
Johnson NB, Proud C, Wassel C, et al. Characterization of adult patients with SMA treated in US hospital settings: A natural history study in the Premier Healthcare Database [published online ahead of print April 3, 2021]. J Neuromusc Dis. doi:10.3233/JND-200624