15 MELD

After a pointless five hour visit to the ER last week we got labs done and found out Jared's MELD has reached 15! The magic number when they officially put your name on the transplant list. Well it is not that simple, they will discus Jared's progression in the transplant team meeting that they have every Thursday. I hope to be hearing from them soon....

So, What is this MELD score?
Model for End Stage Liver Disease
-Predictor of mortality while waiting for a transplant
-The MELD score is calculated by a formula that uses 3 routine lab results
     1.Bilirubin, measure how effectively the liver excretes bile.
     2. INR-Prothrombin time, which measures the livers ability to make blood clotting factors
     3. Creatinine, which measures kidney function. Impaired kidney function is often associated                                with severe liver disease.
MELD scores range from 6-40, 40 being the most ill. MELD scores can change on a daily basis or they may remain stable for long periods of time.

To be placed on the transplant list for a liver one must have a MELD score of at least 15. In August of 2011, when we found out Jared would need a transplant his MELD was 10. In late November 2011 he was tested again and at that time he was at 14. On January 25, 2012 Jared's MELD score has reached 15!