Pain severity and the economic burden of neuropathic pain in the United States: BEAT Neuropathic Pain Observational Study

This study aimed to understand the economic impact of neuropathic pain (NeP) in the United States, focusing on how pain severity affects healthcare resource use, productivity, and associated costs. The study looked at adults with different types of NeP, such as diabetic neuropathy and spinal cord injury-related pain. Researchers collected data from 624 patients through medical chart reviews and questionnaires, categorizing them into mild, moderate, and severe pain groups based on their pain scores. They then analyzed the healthcare costs, work productivity, and other related factors for each group. The study found that patients with moderate to severe NeP had significantly higher healthcare costs and lost productivity compared to those with mild pain. Indirect costs, such as those related to lost work productivity, were the most significant factor contributing to the overall economic burden.

• 1
  Significant differences were observed across pain severity levels for number of comorbidities, prescription medications, physician office visits, and lost productivity.
• 2
  Indirect costs were the primary cost driver at all pain severity levels.
• 3
  Subjects with severe pain reported mean overall work impairment of 66.4%±25.1%.