Economic burden of spinal muscular atrophy: an analysis of claims data

Abstract

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic neuromuscular disease. Objective: Characterize direct costs associated with SMA management. Data source: Truven Health Analytics MarketScan claims data (2012–2016). Patients: Eligible patients had ≥2 SMA-related medical claims ≥30 days apart. Patients were matched (1:1) to controls by birth year, gender, and geographic region. Patients were categorized as having infantile, child, or juvenile SMA based on diagnosis at age 50-fold higher compared with matched controls. Efforts are needed to reduce costs through improved standards of care.

Keywords

• spinal muscular atrophy
• cost
• economic burden
• infantile
• child
• juvenile