MELD-Na Score for Liver Cirrhosis
MELD-Na (UNOS/OPTN) incorporates serum sodium into the standard MELD score. Currently used by UNOS for liver transplant organ allocation in the United States. Improves prediction over MELD alone.
Score interpretation
→ MELD-Na <15: Low transplant priority. Optimise complications; TIPS if appropriate; monthly hepatology review; sodium correction (fluid restriction if dilutional).
→ MELD-Na 15–24: Active transplant list priority. Monitor every 1–3 months; aggressively treat complications; dietitian input; alcohol abstinence; consider TIPS for refractory ascites.
→ MELD-Na 25–34: High transplant priority. Intensify transplant evaluation; hospitalise if acute decompensation; consider TIPS as bridge to transplant; nutrition support; infection surveillance.
→ MELD-Na ≥35: Very high transplant priority; ICU-level care may be needed; palliative care if no transplant option; aggressive management of HRS, HE, SBP.
Interpretation bands for the MELD-Na. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Maddrey's Discriminant Function for Alcoholic Hepatitis · Hepatology
- Lille Model for Alcoholic Hepatitis · Hepatology
- NAFLD Fibrosis Score · Hepatology
- AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) · Hepatology
- West Haven Criteria for Hepatic Encephalopathy · Hepatology
- EVendo Score for Oesophageal Varices · Hepatology
- Sodium Chloride 3% (Hypertonic Saline) · Hypertonic Electrolyte Solution — ICP/Hyponatraemia Management
- Sodium Hyaluronate 0.1% Eye Drops (Hylo-Forte) · Ocular lubricant (viscous eye drop — dry eye disease)
- Thiopental Sodium · Barbiturate Induction Agent
- Sodium Bicarbonate · Alkalising Agent / Electrolyte
- Sodium Nitroprusside · Vasodilator — Nitric Oxide Donor (IV)
- Dantrolene sodium · Skeletal muscle relaxant (RyR1 inhibitor)
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.