MELD 3.0

Kim WR, Mannalithara A, Heimbach JK, et al. MELD 3.0: the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease updated for the modern era. Adds female sex and serum albumin to MELD-Na and adds sodium–bilirubin and albumin–creatinine interaction terms; improved mortality discrimination, particularly for women.

Adopted by OPTN/UNOS for adult liver-allocation prioritisation in July 2023, replacing MELD-Na. Bounds used here: labs ≥ 1.0; creatinine ≤ 3.0 (or 3.0 if dialysis ≥ 2×/week); albumin 1.5–3.5; sodium 125–137; final score 6–40.