This time last year my baby was in liver failure. Xander was listed with a Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score of 25. For those who don’t know about PELD/MELD scoring, 25 is high. MELD is a numerical scale, ranging from 6 (less ill) to 40 (gravely ill). It gives each person a number based on how urgently he or she needs a liver transplant within the next three months.
The number is calculated by a formula using three routine lab test results:
- bilirubin, measures how effectively the live excretes bile;
- INR (prothrombin time), measures the liver’s ability to make blood clotting factors; and
- creatinine, measures kidney function. (Impaired kidney function is often associated with severe liver disease.)*
It didn't take long for his score to rise. He soared to the top of the list at Hopkins and then the region. It was a scary time but we were ready for him to be healthy.
*Latino Organization of Liver Awareness
1 comment:
Blair,
Just wanted to check in on you all and see how things are going. Sounds like they are going well. Your recollection of Xander's story brought back a lot of memories. I always find it strange at some of the things that I remember and those feelings you get when you just know. I wonder if it's that motherly instinct. Allie received her transplant with a PELD of 40. My knees buckled when they came back with that score. I too didn't want to believe she was that ill, but in my heart I knew too. I am just so happy to see Xander doing well. Your blogs always touch my heart. You have a beautiful family. I'm so glad we had the chance to meet you.
Terri
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