MELD-Na Score Calculator (Sodium-adjusted MELD)
The MELD-Na score adds serum sodium to the original Model for End-Stage Liver Disease to estimate short-term mortality in chronic liver disease. It uses bilirubin, INR, creatinine and sodium, and was used by UNOS/OPTN for U.S. liver-transplant allocation from 2016 until MELD 3.0 replaced it in 2023.
Quick answer
MELD-Na adds serum sodium to the original MELD score to estimate short-term mortality in chronic liver disease. It uses bilirubin, INR, creatinine and sodium, applying the published bounds, and the sodium adjustment is only added when the base MELD is above 11. The final score runs from 6 to 40, with higher values indicating greater mortality risk.
MELD-Na inputs
Published bounds are applied automatically: labs floored at 1.0, creatinine capped at 4.0 (set to 4.0 on dialysis), sodium bounded 125β137.
How to use the MELD-Na calculator
- 1Enter the lab values. Enter bilirubin, INR, creatinine and sodium, and tick the dialysis box if the patient had dialysis at least twice in the last week (which sets creatinine to the capped value).
- 2Read the MELD-Na score. The tool applies the bounds (labs floored at 1.0, creatinine capped at 4.0, sodium bounded 125β137) and the MELD-Na equation, returning a score of 6β40.
- 3Interpret with a clinician. Higher scores indicate greater short-term mortality risk. Listing and treatment decisions belong to a hepatology or transplant team.
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.
Talk to a doctor
Get a professional evaluation from a verified doctor by video, audio, or chat β available across 60+ countries on GeraClinic.
Book a consultationFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between MELD, MELD-Na and MELD 3.0?β
The original MELD used bilirubin, INR and creatinine. MELD-Na (2008, used for U.S. allocation from 2016) added serum sodium. MELD 3.0 (2021, in use since 2023) further added albumin and a sex adjustment and updated the coefficients.
Why is the sodium adjustment only applied above a MELD of 11?β
In the OPTN/UNOS MELD-Na implementation, the sodium correction is added only when the base MELD score is greater than 11, so that the adjustment affects sicker patients where hyponatraemia carries the most prognostic weight. This calculator follows that rule.
Why are the values bounded?β
The published MELD-Na rule floors each lab at 1.0, caps creatinine at 4.0 mg/dL, and bounds sodium to 125β137 mmol/L so that extreme readings do not distort the score. This tool applies those bounds exactly.
Is my data stored?β
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to a server.
Sources & validation
This calculator reproduces the published MELD-Na score, validated for short-term mortality in chronic liver disease (sodium-adjusted MELD).
- Kim WR, Biggins SW, Kremers WK, et al. Hyponatremia and mortality among patients on the liver-transplant waiting list (NEJM 2008;359:1018-1026) β the MELD-Na derivation β verified 2026-06-18
- OPTN/UNOS β MELD-Na adopted for U.S. liver allocation (effective 2016-01-11; superseded by MELD 3.0 in 2023). MELD-Na = MELD + 1.32Γ(137βNa) β 0.033ΓMELDΓ(137βNa) when MELD > 11 β verified 2026-06-18
Related clinical calculators
Need to discuss a result? Find and book a verified doctor on GeraClinic.