Description of the Characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis Patients in the Region of Valencia (Spain) Who Requested Treatment with Disease-Modifying Drugs during the 2005-2014 Decade.

Background: More than 3,000 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were treated with disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in the Region of Valencia during 2005-2014. We aimed at describing the demographic and clinical characteristics of MS patients who requested treatment with DMDs, variations in their use, and the factors associated with change to second-line therapies during this decade.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study with information from Subcomité Especializado de Medicamentos de Alto Impacto Sanitario y/o Económico registers.

[Utilization of growth hormone in Valencia Region, Spain, during the period 2003-2007].

Background: The main goal is to analyze the evolution of the consumption of growth hormone (Somatropin) at the Valencia region (Spain). The research focuses on the period comprising 2003-2007 and aims at assessing the impact of the change in the conditions of dispensation of the hormone (May 2005) as well as of the approval of a new indication in 2004. We have also studied the number of treated patients and expenses saved in public money due to the denial of certain treatments.