Under the old system, it was possible for a relatively healthy person to receive a liver before someone who might not survive without a timely transplant, simply because he or she had spent more time on the waiting list.īecause the MELD score is based on lab work, it can vary each time a patient has lab work done. That system was disadvantageous for people with chronic liver disease who became seriously ill quickly. The old scoring system used the length of time a patient had spent on the waiting list, as well as a few subjective measures, to rank patients. This is done to assure that the sickest patients get the transplant first. The patient with the highest MELD score will get the liver when a donor is found. The purpose of the MELD scoring system is to use an objective measure to access how soon a person will need a liver transplant. A person with a MELD score of 40 might very well be quite ill and in a hospital intensive care unit. The scores range from 6 in a healthy person to 40. And the creatinine measures kidney function, which can be affected by advanced liver disease. The INR measures the liver's ability to manufacture certain clotting facots. The bilirubin number indicates how well your liver is excreting bile. These three tests are bilirubin, INR and creatinine. Your MELD score is calculated by taking three lab tests, plugging them into the formula and coming up with a number. MELD is a complex mathematical formula used to prioritize patients waiting for liver transplants. It is a relatively new term, and stands for Model for End Stage Liver Disease. What's your MELD Score? If you have liver disease you may have heard the term MELD bandied about by your physician or other members of your healthcare team. We only have one hour to find you if we are unable to locate you, the liver will go the next person on the list.Mathematical system used to rank patients awaiting transplants If we do not have current information, the team may have trouble finding you when it is your turn to receive a transplant. It is a good idea to keep the name and phone number of your transplant coordinator handy so that you can call with any new information. You must notify the team if there has been a change in your address, insurance carrier, phone number, or medical condition. It is extremely important that the transplant team has current information on you. Creatinine, which measures kidney function.INR (prothrombin time), which measures the liver's ability to make blood clotting factors.Bilirubin, which measures how effectively the liver excretes bile.The number is calculated by a formula using three routine lab test results: It gives each individual a score based on how urgently he or she needs a liver transplant within the next three months. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is a numerical scale, ranging from 6 (less ill) to 40 (gravely ill), that is used for adult liver transplant candidates. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) What is the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)? How will it be used?
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