UK End-Stage Liver Disease Score (UKELD)
The UK model for end-stage liver disease, used by NHS Blood and Transplant to prioritise liver transplant listing. UKELD ≥49 is the threshold for transplant listing in the UK.
Score interpretation
UKELD <49 — below NHS transplant listing threshold. Estimated 1-year mortality <9% with liver disease.
→ Continue outpatient management; reassess UKELD at each visit; transplant not currently indicated
UKELD ≥49 — meets UK threshold for liver transplant listing. Estimated 1-year mortality ≥9%.
→ Refer to transplant centre; full assessment for listing; optimise medical management
Interpretation bands for the UKELD. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Barber KM et al. Development of a new disease severity scoring system to predict mortality in patients with hepatic disease. Liver Transpl. 2011;17(8):959–967.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Methotrexate (Dermatology — Psoriasis) · Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic / Immunosuppressant
- Acetazolamide (Ménière's Disease) · Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor (Diuretic)
- Zinc acetate · Zinc salt (Wilson's disease)
- Sulfasalazine · Aminosalicylate / Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
- Spironolactone (Ascites / Cirrhosis) · Aldosterone Antagonist / Potassium-Sparing Diuretic
- Furosemide (Ascites / Cirrhosis) · Loop Diuretic
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.