MELD scoring system - confusion and ?'s

[Guest guest]

The MELD scoring and system from 6 less ill to 40 gravely ill is used now to give everyone equally in ESLD a score and # based on 1 system across the board nationally in all transplant centers and regions instead of the old way of pt's individual Dr's interrupting pt's medical cases and listing the pt's when needed for liver transplants. I'm still confused about MELD and more so since reading the replies of our members. Is there 1 certain MELD score and # to be actively listed for a transplant at all

transplant centers nationally or a different MELD # for pt's at different transplant teams and centers ????? If so than how has MELD improved the transplant system for equally listing all pt's by medical necessity and the fair allocation of donated organs ????? I have been reading the information and policies and bylaws at UNOS and have not found that certain MELD # to be listed for a liver transplant. The individual transplant teams and centers are listed within a certain

transplant region of the country and govern themselves and the OPO - Organ Procurement Organization for that transplant center and region and have the option to use donated organs locally 1st for their centers and pt's listed with them than offer to other regions and transplant centers within the time restrictions of that certain organ for transplant. Wouldn't that give a pt with a lesser MELD score the opportunity of a transplant over someone else listed at a different center and region with a higher MELD score ????? In ESLD can we go by the MELD #'s of pt's and of our members and can they ????? For pt's listed is it still the luck of the draw depending on their Dr's and transplant centers and regions ????? I think this is a very important topic for group and our members. I'm very confused and probably others too let's discuss it in group have a clearer understanding of it and for what some of our members are going through for their support and a greater knowledge of HCV ESLD and liver transplants for us all. We are a HCV Support Group for all our members in all stages their needs support and information sharing for

all. Our knowledge is power and we are never to sick or old to learn new things. God Bless US All and Love Health and Happines in 2007. Deb