Question

MELD score includes

• A. Serum creatinine
• B. Transaminase
• C. Albumin
• D. Alkaline phosphatase

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) score is a system used to assess the severity of chronic liver disease. It was originally developed to predict mortality in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures. The score includes the following laboratory values:

• Serum creatinine: This measures kidney function. Elevated levels can indicate impaired kidney function, which is common in advanced liver disease.
• Bilirubin: This measures liver function. High levels suggest problems with the liver’s ability to excrete bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.
• INR (International Normalized Ratio): This measures blood clotting time and the synthetic function of the liver. An increased INR indicates a higher risk of bleeding complications.
• Sodium (optional, for MELD-Na score): Low levels can indicate impaired renal function and affect patient prognosis.

While transaminases, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase are important lab values for assessing liver function, they are not included in the original MELD score calculation. Therefore, the option that correctly answers the query about what the MELD score includes is Serum creatinine.