The rate of increase in the MELD score (delta-MELD per month) is a prognostic finding in patients with advanced cirrhosis.
Patient selection: advanced cirrhosis
Parameters:
(1) baseline MELD score
(2) current MELD score
(3) number of months between the 2 MELD scores
delta-MELD per month =
= ((current MELD) – (baseline MELD)) / (number of months)
Interpretation:
• The higher the delta-MELD per month the worse the patient’s prognosis.
• Bae et al found that a delta-MELD per month > 0.27 was a predictor of increased mortality at 6 and 12 months.
• Huo et al used a delta-MELD per month > 2.5 was a predictor of increased mortality.
• These values suggest that Bae et al are using the original MELD score, while Huo et al are using the modified MELD score (original MELD score multiplied by 10).
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