Maddrey’s Discriminant Function Calculator (Alcoholic Hepatitis)
Maddrey’s Discriminant Function (DF) estimates short-term mortality in alcoholic hepatitis from prothrombin time and total bilirubin: DF = 4.6 × (patient PT − control PT) + total bilirubin (mg/dL). A DF of 32 or more defines severe disease and is the usual threshold for considering corticosteroids.
Quick answer
Maddrey’s Discriminant Function is DF = 4.6 × (patient prothrombin time − control PT, in seconds) + total bilirubin (mg/dL). A DF of 32 or more indicates severe alcoholic hepatitis with high short-term mortality and is the usual threshold for considering corticosteroid treatment.
Maddrey DF inputs
How to use the Maddrey DF calculator
- 1Enter PT and control PT. Enter the patient’s prothrombin time and the laboratory’s control (reference) prothrombin time, both in seconds.
- 2Enter total bilirubin. Enter the total bilirubin in mg/dL.
- 3Read the discriminant function. The tool applies DF = 4.6 × (PT − control PT) + bilirubin and shows whether the DF is 32 or more (severe) — a decision a clinician interprets in context.
Medical disclaimer: This is general health information, not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition, and the results are estimates based on public reference formulas. Always consult a qualified doctor about your individual health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
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Book a consultationFrequently asked questions
What Maddrey DF means severe alcoholic hepatitis?⌄
A discriminant function of 32 or more defines severe alcoholic hepatitis, historically associated with roughly 30–50% short-term mortality if untreated, and is the conventional threshold for considering corticosteroids — alongside other factors and contraindications a clinician weighs.
Why does the formula use a control prothrombin time?⌄
Prothrombin-time reagents and analysers differ between laboratories, so the patient’s PT is compared against that lab’s own control PT. Using the local control keeps the discriminant function comparable across sites.
How does Maddrey DF relate to MELD for alcoholic hepatitis?⌄
Both estimate severity. MELD (and the Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis score) are also widely used and some clinicians prefer them, but Maddrey’s DF ≥32 remains a classic, simple threshold. The choice and interpretation are clinical.
Is my data stored?⌄
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to a server.
Sources & validation
This calculator reproduces the published Maddrey DF score, validated for short-term mortality risk in alcoholic hepatitis (DF ≥ 32 = severe).
- Maddrey WC, Boitnott JK, Bedine MS, et al. Corticosteroid therapy of alcoholic hepatitis (Gastroenterology 1978;75:193-199) — original discriminant function; the modified mDF = 4.6×(PT−control)+bilirubin is the widely-used form — verified 2026-06-18
- Carithers RL, Herlong HF, Diehl AM, et al. Methylprednisolone therapy in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (Ann Intern Med 1989;110:685-690) — established DF ≥ 32 as the severity threshold — verified 2026-06-18
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