What is MELD? How will it be used?
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) system was implemented February 27, 2002 to prioritize patients waiting for a liver transplant. MELD is a numerical scale used for adult liver transplant candidates. The range is from 6 (less ill) to 40 (gravely ill). The individual score determines how urgently a patient needs a liver transplant within the next three months.
Typically it will take a minimum MELD score of 15 to even be put on a waiting list for a transplant.
The number is calculated using the most recent laboratory tests.
Lab values used in the MELD calculation:
* Bilirubin, which measures how effectively the liver excretes bile
* INR, measures the liver’s ability to make blood clotting factors
* Creatinine, which measures kidney function. Impaired kidney function is often associated with severe liver disease.
3-Month Mortality Based on MELD Scores
The estimated 3-month mortality is based on the MELD score.
40 or more -- 71.3% mortality
30-39 -- 52.6% mortality
20-29 -- 19.6% mortality
10-19 -- 6.0% mortality
<9 -- 1.9% mortality
Hector
I guess they mean the MELD Score.Remember that this score is based on blood tests and can varying from day to day.