MELD score

The MELD score (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) is a medical tool used to assess the severity of liver disease. It predicts the risk of death within three months for patients with liver failure, helping doctors prioritize who needs a liver transplant most urgently. The score is calculated using specific blood test results—such as bilirubin (liver function), INR (blood clotting), and creatinine (kidney function)—and ranges from 6 to 40. Higher scores indicate more severe liver disease and a greater risk of mortality, guiding treatment decisions and transplant eligibility.