Does a low MELD score rule out Cirrhosis?

[Johnnyjaundice]

Used a few different meld calculators and my score is low with as far as I know fatty liver. Where do compensated Cirrhosis patients usually end up on the scale? Is it possible you can still have cirrhosis and test really low? Thanks.

[nash2 Partner]

MELD is designed for the seriously ill in the transplant system. It is supposed to predict the risk of death in the near future. Trying to use it as a general tool doesn't tell you very much about your level of fibrosis since it looks at blood and kidney factors. If you want easy calculators try NAS or FIB-4 as they relate to fibrosis. Like all of these they aren't diagnostic but can give you probabilities.

fattyliverfoundation.org/no...

[Johnnyjaundice in reply to nash2]

Thanks. There is also an ast/alt calculator one can use to plug your numbers and see if they are consistent with cirrhosis. I did a little while ago and my ast/alt numbers/ ratio is not consistent with Cirrhosis. What's your take on this? Thank you.

[nash2 Partner in reply to Johnnyjaundice]

Docs use AST/ALT ratio as one data point. It isn't highly predictive since those values change due to a lot of things but it can be a flag to take a closer look. Just be aware that normal values don't necessarily mean your liver is OK. If the disease is slow they may not change much.

[nettl1]

Don’t look at blood levels on one test. Follow all blood results for improvements. Make sure you treat your body right with diet and exercise. Believe me, I’m living it. I feel much better today than the time I was first diagnosed, three years ago. Good luck to you!