The impact of adjusted work conditions and disease-modifying drugs on work ability in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that causes significantly reduced ability to work, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is one of the main predictors for reduced work ability. OBJECTIVES: To investigate how work requirements, flexible work conditions and disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) influence the work ability in relation to different EDSS grades in two MS populations. METHODS: Work ability was studied in two MS populations: one in the southern and one in the northern part of Sweden, both demographically similar. In the latter population, more active work-promoting interventions have been practised and second-generation DMDs have been widely used from the onset of disease for several years. RESULTS: The proportion of MS patients who participated in the workforce or studied was significantly higher in the northern compared with the southern population ( p < 0.001). The employees in the northern population had significantly lower requirements, greater adapted work conditions and were able to work more hours per week. Higher EDSS was associated with lower reduction in number of worked hours per week in the northern population ( p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that treatment strategy and adjusted work conditions have impact on work ability in MS.

Improved working ability in a contemporary MS population compared with a historic non-treated MS population in the same geographic area of Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) often causes a reduced ability to work. Improved disease control as well as adjustment of working conditions may improve work ability in MS. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article is to compare the degree of sickness absence in two MS populations that either have or have not received disease-modifying drug (DMD) treatments or active work-promoting measures. METHODS: We investigated the occurrence of sickness absence in MS patients living in Västerbotten County, Sweden, in 2013, in which the majority of MS patients receive DMD treatment. The result was compared with a previous survey in the same area during a period when no DMD was available and no work-promoting measures for MS patients were practiced. RESULTS: The proportion of MS patients active in the labor market or studying increased from 38% to 70% in the contemporary compared with the historic population (p < 0.001). The proportion of MS patients with a full-time disability pension decreased from 27% to 12% (p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease of sickness absence in several individual EDSS grades. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that treatment with DMDs combined with active work-promoting measures lead to improved work ability in MS.