OBJECTIVES: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory neurological disease that causes disability in young and middle-aged patients (ages 15-45) and is associated with substantial socioeconomic burden. This study examines the economic costs of MS according to increasing Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the impact on resource utilization. METHODS:  RRMS patients from Brazil and Mexico were drawn from the Adelphi MS Disease Specific Program, a global cross-sectional study of MS patients. Multiple linear regression determined the association between physician reported EDSS (<3, 3-5 and >5) and frequency of hospitalizations over a 12-month period, as well as associated annual cost. Regressions adjusted for age, gender, BMI and number of concomitant conditions. Reference category was EDSS<3. RESULTS: