Categories: Uncategorized

Is timing of therapy affecting cost of treating genetic neuromuscular disease?

According to recent study, early diagnosis and treatment of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a hereditary disease characterised by muscle weakening and wasting, might reduce the total financial costs associated with the disease.

The research is published in the journal, “Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.” In the analysis of data pertaining to 149 patients, (93 untreated, 42 treated after symptoms arose, and 14 treated after early diagnosis), the total societal cost was lower in untreated patients (due to high drug costs in treated patients), but costs were lower for treated patients who were identified by newborn screening than for treated patients identified due to the development of symptoms.

“These data are important as they are issued from a real-life perspective collection. They demonstrate clearly that as long as the decision to reimburse treatments for SMA has been made, newborn screening becomes a no-brainer–not only because it gives patients a much better future, but also because it saves a significant amount of money for the taxpayer,” said senior author Laurent Servais, PhD, of the University of Liege, in Belgium and the University of Oxford, in the UK. “Using these data issued from the real world, we are working currently on a model that estimates the lifetime cost of the different strategies.”

For almost 60 years, the journal Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (DMCN) has defined the disciplines of paediatric neurology and childhood-onset neuro impairment. DMCN disseminates the most recent clinical research findings throughout the world in order to improve the care and lives of handicapped children and their families.

Medically Speaking Team

Recent Posts

Harness the Power of Rice Water

Rice water, rich in inositol, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, protects hair from sunlight damage and…

18 hours ago

“8 Powerful Herbs and Supplements to Beat Bloating and Boost Your Gut Health Naturally”

Natural Remedies for Bloating: 8 Herbs and Supplements That Work Wonders for Your Gut Health…

18 hours ago

“Unlock the Power of Oil Pulling: Discover How This Simple Practice Improves Oral Health and Freshens Your Breath”

Benefits of Oil Pulling: Stops Bad Breath, Keeps Gums Healthy, But Can't Replace Brushing Oil…

18 hours ago

WHY DO YOU EXPERIENCE RUNNY NOSE AFTER EATING SPICY FOOD?

Spicy food – whether it’s a dash of chili in your curry, a spoonful of…

18 hours ago

“4 Simple Tests to Spot Adulterated Wheat Flour: Protect Your Health with These Easy Checks”

How To Identify Adulterated Wheat Flour? Try These 4 Easy Tests Wheat flour is a…

18 hours ago

“Unlock the Power of Jaggery: 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating It After Every Meal”

Reasons That Will Make You Eat Jaggery After Every Meal (Potential Health Benefits Inside) Jaggery,…

19 hours ago