MELD Score Calculator

Category: Other Health

Calculate the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score used to assess the severity of chronic liver disease and prioritize patients for liver transplantation. This calculator uses laboratory values to determine a patient's 3-month mortality risk.

Laboratory Values

Normal: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL (53-106 μmol/L)
Normal: 0.2-1.2 mg/dL (3.4-20.5 μmol/L)
Normal: 0.9-1.1
Normal: 136-145 mEq/L

Patient Information

Affects creatinine calculation
For additional risk assessment
Normal: 3.5-5.0 g/dL (35-50 g/L)

Advanced Options

What Is the MELD Score Calculator?

The MELD Score Calculator is a clinical tool used to evaluate the severity of chronic liver disease. It provides an estimate of a patient's risk of death within three months, helping guide decisions around liver transplant eligibility and urgency. MELD stands for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and is widely used in hospitals and transplant centers worldwide.

How Is the MELD Score Calculated?

The calculator uses common laboratory values such as serum creatinine, total bilirubin, INR (International Normalized Ratio), and sodium levels. For some patients, dialysis history is also factored in. These values are entered into the MELD formula, which provides a score ranging from 6 to 40.

Original MELD Formula:
MELD = 3.78 × ln(bilirubin) + 11.2 × ln(INR) + 9.57 × ln(creatinine) + 6.43
MELD-Na (Sodium-adjusted MELD):
MELD-Na = MELD + 1.32 × (137 - Na) − 0.033 × MELD × (137 − Na)

Why Is the MELD Score Important?

The MELD score helps prioritize liver transplant recipients based on medical urgency. Higher scores reflect more severe liver dysfunction and higher short-term mortality risk. It also offers insight into a patient's prognosis and aids in treatment planning.

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Enter the patient’s laboratory results:
    • Creatinine: Measures kidney function.
    • Bilirubin: Indicates liver’s ability to clear waste.
    • INR: Reflects blood clotting ability.
    • Sodium: Optional but useful for MELD-Na calculation.
  2. Indicate dialysis history and select the primary liver disease.
  3. (Optional) Add age and albumin level for a broader assessment.
  4. Select calculation options such as MELD-Na or Child-Pugh classification.
  5. Click “Calculate MELD Score” to view results.

Understanding the Results

  • MELD Score: Indicates severity of liver disease (scale: 6–40).
  • MELD-Na: A refined score including sodium levels, useful for transplant prioritization.
  • 3-Month Mortality Risk: An estimate of survival likelihood based on score and age.
  • Child-Pugh Class: Optional classification system evaluating liver function.
  • Transplant Priority: Suggests urgency and estimated wait times for liver transplant.

Who Can Benefit from This Calculator?

This tool is useful for:

  • Clinicians managing patients with chronic liver disease.
  • Patients who want to understand their liver disease severity.
  • Caregivers supporting loved ones through transplant evaluation.
  • Medical students and researchers studying liver disease metrics.

Related Tools and Topics

  • Child-Pugh Calculator: Complements the MELD score for liver disease assessment.
  • GFR Calculator: Estimates kidney function—important when considering creatinine values.
  • Corrected Calcium Calculator: Useful in assessing biochemical imbalances in liver disease.
  • BAC Calculator: Not directly related but helpful for understanding alcohol’s impact on liver Health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s a normal MELD score?

Most healthy individuals would have MELD scores below 6. In liver disease, scores between 6 and 9 suggest mild disease, while scores over 30 indicate very severe illness.

How often should MELD be recalculated?

It depends on the patient’s condition. In stable patients, every few months may suffice. In advanced cases, weekly monitoring is often needed.

Does MELD consider alcohol use?

Not directly. However, alcoholic liver disease as a diagnosis may influence transplant eligibility and management recommendations. Tools like the Sobriety Calculator can help track time since last drink.

Is the Child-Pugh score better than MELD?

They assess different aspects. MELD is more objective and transplant-focused, while Child-Pugh includes clinical signs and may be better for overall liver function classification.

Important Notes

  • The MELD score does not apply to acute liver failure.
  • It should not replace a complete clinical assessment.
  • All inputs should be based on verified laboratory values.
  • This calculator is an educational aid and not a substitute for medical advice.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational use only. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.