What does the MELD score estimate in patients with cirrhosis?

The MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) score is a tool used to assess the prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. It specifically estimates the 3-month survival probability of patients by taking into account various factors, including bilirubin levels, creatinine levels, and INR (International Normalized Ratio).

This score is essential in guiding decisions regarding the prioritization for liver transplantation, as a higher MELD score indicates a lower likelihood of survival over the next three months without a transplant. Therefore, the accuracy and the time frame of the MELD score's estimation of survival directly correlate with its intended purpose in assessing the urgency of intervention for patients with liver disease.

In clinical practice, understanding the MELD score's relevance to a 3-month survival probability helps healthcare providers manage and treat patients with liver conditions more effectively.