Abstract
Chronic disabling conditions, such as immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), adversely affect patients in terms of physical suffering and pain, impaired function, and diminished quality of life. These persistent relapsing diseases have a significant influence on individual employment status and work-related productivity. In addition to the significant burden on patients and their families, IMID represent a sizable burden to society due to high healthcare and non-healthcare related costs. Non-healthcare related, or indirect, costs — primarily associated with decreased work productivity, disability payments, and early retirements — are typically greater contributors than direct healthcare costs to the total costs associated with IMID. This article discusses the socioeconomic impact of several IMID, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.
Footnotes
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Supported by an unrestricted grant from Abbott Canada. Dr. Jacobs has received a research grant for Economics of Uveitis from Abbott; Dr. Bissonnette received research grants or honoraria from Abbott, Amgen, Astellas, Merck, Pfizer, and Schering; Dr. Guenther has acted as consultant for Abbott Laboratories, Amgen Canada, Galderma Canada, LEO Pharma, Janssen, Schering-Plough Canada, and Wyeth; and received investigator-initiated study support from Astellas Pharma Canada; and contract research support from Abbott Laboratories, Amgen Canada, Astellas Pharma Canada, Celgene Corporation, Centocor Ortho Biotech, EMD Serono Canada, Galderma Canada, Isotechnika, Janssen-Ortho, LEO Pharma, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada, Pfizer, Schering-Plough Canada, and Stiefel Laboratories.