OBJECTIVES : Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common causes of neurological disability in young adults with major consequences for their autonomy and capacity to maintain work. The aim of this study was to assess the impact on productivity in early-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

METHODS : A multicenter, non-interventional study was conducted. Adult patients with a diagnosis of RRMS, a disease duration ≤ 3 years, and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 0-5.5 were included. Absenteeism, presenteeism, and unpaid work loss due to RRMS were measured using the Valuation of Lost Productivity questionnaire (VOLP). The EDSS, SymptoMScreen, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test were used to gather information on disability, symptom severity, fatigue, mood/anxiety, and cognition, respectively. Associations between the VOLP and clinical outcomes were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlations.

RESULTS : A total of 189 patients were included (mean age: 36.1 ± 9.4 years, 71.4% female, mean disease duration: 1.2 ± 0.8 years). Mean EDSS score was 1.3 ± 1.0. One hundred thirty patients (68.8%) were working for pay or self-employed. Fifty-three patients (40.8%) reported absence from work in the past 3 months with an average of 14.3 absent workdays. Their health problems resulted in the loss of 3.4% of their actual work time in the past 7 days. Thirty-four patients got help (11.8 hours) with their unpaid work activities in the past 7 days. Absenteeism was significantly correlated with anxiety and depression (rho=0.298 and 0.291, p<0.001), fatigue (rho=0.214, p=0.014), and symptom severity (rho=0.213, p=0.015). Presenteeism was significantly correlated with fatigue (rho=0.375, p<0.001), symptom severity (rho=0.373, p<0.001), depression (rho=0.263, p=0.008), and disability (rho=0.215, p=0.031).

CONCLUSIONS : Productivity loss even in a MS population with low physical disability and short disease duration stresses the need for more efficient treatment control of disease activity from earlier stages.