The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is a numerical scale, ranging from 6 (less ill) to 40 (gravely ill), used for liver transplant candidates. It gives each person a ‘score’ (number) based on how urgently he or she needs a liver transplant within the next three months.
The number is calculated by a formula using three routine lab test results:
* bilirubin, which measures how effectively the liver excretes bile;
* INR (prothrombin time), which measures the liver’s ability to make bloo clotting factors; and
* creatinine, which measures kidney function. (Impaired kidney function is often associated with severe liver disease.)
Patients with higher MELD scores will always be considered before those with lower scores, even if some patients with lower scores have waited longer.
My MELD score is 23 currently. I don't know where this places me in the registry but I am learning.
We are praying for you and your family, Ray.
ReplyDeleteSue Clark (and Fred, who doesn't have a blogger account).