Health-State Utility Values in Patients Affected by Flaccid and Non-Flaccid Facial Paralysis

The primary goal of this study was to measure health-state utility values (HUVs) in patients with facial paralysis before and after treatment. A secondary objective was to compare these values with those of other chronic diseases and currently available treatments.

A retrospective chart review.

A tertiary medical center.

Adults with flaccid and non-flaccid facial paralysis were included. Baseline demographics, medical comorbidities, facial paralysis history, treatment details, and disease-specific quality-of-life scores were collected. Utility values were derived using the Short-Form 6D health index at baseline and after treatment.

The mean baseline Short-Form 6D utility value for patients with facial paralysis (n = 134) was 0.73 (± 0.14) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.75). Baseline utility values significantly correlated with disease-specific quality of life as measured by the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale (r = 0.400; P < .001), but not with Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale or Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire scores. Post-treatment utility values showed a mean improvement of 0.03 (95% CI: -0.01 to 0.08; P = .14) in the overall cohort. The flaccid group showed a greater average improvement compared to the non-flaccid group (0.05 [± 0.17] vs 0.02 [± 0.17]; P = .62).

Patients with flaccid and non-flaccid facial paralysis reported HUVs that were significantly lower than the US population norm. Treatment improved utility values in both groups. These findings provide initial data for future cost-effectiveness analyses of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for facial paralysis.