Learning About a MELD Score (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease)

What is it?

A model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score is a way to measure severe liver disease for those ages 12 and older. Results of blood tests are scored from 6 to 40. The higher the score, the more severe the disease. This helps you and your doctor decide on treatment.

Why is it done?

A MELD score can help you and your doctor decide on treatment if you have severe liver disease. It can also help doctors predict if someone is likely to live past the next 3 months due to their liver disease.

A MELD score is used to place people ages 12 and older on the national waiting list for a liver transplant. Children younger than 12 get a PELD score, which is similar.

People with higher scores are usually placed higher on the waiting list. They are more likely to need a new liver sooner than people with lower scores. The scores are updated on a regular basis.

Your score may go up or down while you wait for a transplant. A score can change based on the severity of the liver disease.

How is it done?

You will have blood tests to check how well your liver and kidneys are working. The results of the blood tests are used to figure out your MELD score. This score will be checked regularly.