Utility of MELD Score as Prognostic Indicator in Patients of Liver Cirrhosis and its Correlation with Child-Pugh Score

Abstract

Introduction: The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score is a useful tool to assess prognosis in critically ill cirrhotic patients. Therefore present study's aim is to evaluate prognostic value of MELD score in patients with cirrhosis and to find out the correlation of MELD score with Child-Pugh Score. Material and Methods: Present study was carried out in a large public hospital in Mumbai from October 2003 to November 2004 on liver cirrhosis patients. Seventy six patients of cirrhosis of liver who had attended gastroenterology outpatient department of the hospital were included in the study. Thirty age and sex matched healthy controls were included in the study. MELD score was calculated at Mayo clinic calculator site. Results: Mean age of cases of cirrhosis was 46.97 + 12.96 years with range of 15-74 years. There was no significant difference in the age or sex distribution of cases in the survival or expired category (p>0.05). Our study showed significant difference in mortality between the three Child Pugh grades (p<0.05). Present study showed significant correlation between MELD score and Child-Pugh Score. Mean MELD score was significantly more in expired cases (22.0+7.74) than in survived cases (14.87+6.42) during six monthly follow up period (p<0.05).Cases with MELD scores ≥30 had significantly high mortality rate. Conclusion: Therefore MELD score can be used as significant short term prognostic factor in patients with cirrhosis.