MELD Score (Liver Disease)

mg/dL
mg/dL
mEq/L
Health

Calculate the MELD score (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) to predict 90-day mortality.

Formula

MELD = 3.78×ln(bili) + 11.2×ln(INR) + 9.57×ln(Cr) + 6.43; MELD-Na = MELD − Na − 0.025×MELD×(140−Na) + 140
  • Creatinine and bilirubin minimum: 1.0 mg/dL; Creatinine maximum: 4.0 mg/dL.
  • MELD-Na sodium range capped 125–137 mEq/L.
  • 90-day mortality: <9 (<2%), 10–19 (6%), 20–24 (20%), 25–29 (52%), 30–39 (57%), ≥40 (>80%).
  • Used by UNOS/OPTN for liver transplant listing priority since 2002.

Moderate cirrhosis: Cr 1.5, bili 3.0, INR 1.8, Na 135

Inputs
  • Creatinine: 1.5 mg/dL
  • Total Bilirubin: 3 mg/dL
  • INR: 1.8
  • Serum Sodium (for MELD-Na): 135 mEq/L

MELD = 3.78×ln(3)+11.2×ln(1.8)+9.57×ln(1.5)+6.43 = 4.15+6.36+3.88+6.43 ≈ 21.

Frequently asked questions

What MELD score triggers transplant listing?
Patients with MELD ≥15 generally have improved survival with liver transplant versus continued medical management. Priority is given to highest MELD-Na scores.