Calculate MELD Score
Understanding the MELD Score Calculator
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) Score is a reliable tool for assessing the severity of chronic liver disease and predicting mortality risk. This scoring system is crucial for prioritizing patients for liver transplantation.
Score Interpretation
MELD scores range from 6 to 40, with higher scores indicating more severe disease and greater urgency for liver transplantation.
Critical Values
Scores above 30 indicate high priority for transplantation with significant mortality risk.
Clinical Applications of MELD Score
Transplant Prioritization
Primary tool for liver allocation in organ transplantation systems worldwide
Mortality Prediction
Accurate assessment of 3-month mortality risk in patients with end-stage liver disease
Treatment Planning
Guides clinical decision-making and timing of interventions
Latest Research on MELD Score
MELD-Na Evolution
The incorporation of serum sodium has improved the predictive accuracy of the MELD score, particularly in patients with ascites and hyponatremia.
Validation Studies
Recent studies confirm MELD's reliability across different patient populations and its superiority over older scoring systems.
Dynamic Assessment
Changes in MELD score over time provide valuable prognostic information and help optimize transplant timing.
Components of MELD Score
Serum Bilirubin
Measures liver's ability to excrete bile and indicates severity of liver dysfunction
INR (International Normalized Ratio)
Reflects liver's synthetic function and coagulation status
Serum Creatinine
Indicates renal function, often affected in advanced liver disease
Serum Sodium
Added in MELD-Na to account for the impact of hyponatremia
Best Practices for MELD Score Assessment
Regular Monitoring
Assess MELD score every 3 months or more frequently in severe cases
Laboratory Accuracy
Use standardized laboratory methods and ensure result consistency
Documentation
Maintain detailed records of score progression and clinical correlation
The MELD Score calculator is designed for healthcare professionals. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical judgment and other relevant patient data. This tool should not be used as the sole basis for clinical decisions.