Review for 10.1186/s12876-017-0660-3 (2017)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Estimation of  utility weights for major liver diseases according to disease severity in 
Korea  
 
Version: 0 Date: 23 Jan 2017  
 
Reviewer: Alessandro Vitale  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
I think this is an interesting study calculating utility weights for some major liver diseases health 
states.  
The definition and calculation of utility weights is extremely imp ortant to plan adequate cost -
effectiveness studies. However, the literature on this particular field is poor.  
This study has some peculiarities well underlined and explained in the discussion: a) utility 
weights of 8 health states related to liver diseases , were estimated in the general population of 
Korea; b) Utility weights were estimated using direct methods such as  VAS, time trade -off, or 
SG. 
I think that the paper is well written, the aim is original, and the methodology adequate.  
Are the metho ds appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are the co nclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistica l review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration  of competing interests  
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organisation that may in any way gain or lose fi nancially from the publication of this  
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3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the  
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holds  or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
 
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no competing interests' 
below.  If you r reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests  
 
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