How does UNOS allocate organs?
UNOS allocates organs based on the MELD (Model for End stage Liver Disease) scoring system. MELD is a liver disease severity scoring system that uses three major biochemical parameters of a patient, i.e., Prothrombin Time/INR, Total Bilirubin and Creatinine in a logarithmic formula to predict survival. The MELD score was implemented by UNOS on Feb. 27, 2002 in an effort to prioritize organ allocation, since it is highly predictive of three-month mortality from cirrhosis. Transplant work up is usually initiated when the MELD score reaches around 15 or a major complication of cirrhosis is encountered. MELD score emphasis is on the acuity of the patient rather than the time spent on the waiting list. For MELD score calculation please visit www.unos.org. What are the indications for a liver transplant? The indications for liver transplantation can be either acute (fulminant) liver failure from medication toxicity (most commonly acetominophen) or other toxic ingestions. Rarely acute viral h
