Impact of Choice of Tariff When Calculating Clinically Meaningful EQ-5D Scores in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

Abstract

Background & Aims

Self-reported health varies across countries, as populations attribute different degrees of value to EQ-5D domains. Country-specific EQ-5D tariffs were developed to account for this but are not always stated in the literature. We aim to assess the reporting of EQ-5D in the literature and the impact of applying country-specific tariffs.

Methods

We reviewed literature-reported EQ-5D utilities for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis versus real-world EQ-5D utilities from the Adelphi Real World Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis Disease Specific Programme (DSP), a cross-sectional survey in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Matching-adjusted indirect comparison analysis balanced DSP data with literature studies by age, sex, comorbidities and fibrosis stage. DSP utility scores generated using national tariffs were compared with literature utilities using weighted t tests.

Results

Ten studies with varying recruitment criteria, patient demographics and clinical characteristics were identified. Country-specific tariffs were not used or not reported. EQ-5D utilities varied, reflecting geographic, clinical and demographic characteristics. The comparison of literature and matched utilities derived using DSP data and five national tariffs revealed ≥ two comparisons for each study with a difference not exceeding the minimal clinically important difference versus the matched DSP value.

Conclusions

Literature-reported EQ-5D utilities vary considerably depending on study methodology and country-specific EQ-5D tariff, and even if stated may not always use the most appropriate tariff. This suggests a need for consistent use of country-specific tariffs and sensitivity analyses confirming results and conclusions that include EQ-5D-based utility measurement to inform decision-making by health authorities.