Effect of fibromyalgia syndrome on the health-related quality of life and economic burden in Korea

Mean (S.D.) scores obtained on the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scales by patients with FMS were 34.01 (7.28) and 37.29 (11.17), respectively. The total expenditure for the 3 months before enrolment was $1481 (S.D. $2206). Indirect costs [$1126 (S.D. $2016)] were about three times higher than direct costs [$355 (S.D. $534)]. The PCS and MCS scores increased to 4.03 (S.D. 6.79) and 4.06 (S.D. 10.57), respectively, 3 months after the initial FMS diagnosis (P < 0.001, both). Total expenditure after FMS diagnosis was reduced by $1025 (S.D. $1347) as compared with costs before FMS diagnosis (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Patients with FMS experience a decline in their HRQOL and constitute a significant economic burden on health-service utilization. The improvement in health-related costs and HRQOL after a diagnosis of FMS demonstrates a need for early diagnosis and treatment of FMS to reduce costs and enhance HRQOL.