HCC & MELD

[Guest guest]

Looking for some info and haven't been able to find it so far...

Basically what I want to know is how exactly one's MELD score would

change if they were diagnosed with HCC and were eligible for the extra

points that UNOS' current policy gives.

The reason is that I had a CT scan last monday, which showed some

suspicious spots. The specialists are reviewing the results right now,

and based on how they classify things, I may be eligible for the extra

points. I know that UNOS policy says that the MELD score will be set to

equal a 15% chance of death within the next three months, but does

anyone know how to find (or at least estimate) what that would be?

As of Dec. 8 there's only one patient at Vanderbilt with a MELD score

over 18 (in my blood type group), so this could potentially boost me to

at or near the top of their list. I don't like the idea of having

cancer (or even suspected cancer) but if I do, it would be nice to be in

the running to get a transplant before it gets worse!

Thanks!

athan

[Guest guest]

The conversion to MELD scores in 2002 maintained special priority for

HCC patients because, like the CTP score, the MELD score of these

individuals was typically quite low. Candidates with stage T1 and T2

disease were assigned MELD scores of 24 and 29, respectively. Under

this new system, the HCC transplant rate increased, with more than 87%

of HCC patients receiving transplant within 3 months of listing.13 This

dramatic rise triggered concern of excessive prioritization for HCC

candidates, and in February, 2003, UNOS decreased the priority MELD

score for stage T1 and T2 patients to 20 and 24, respectively.

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1183438

[Guest guest]

athan,

I don’t have the answer for you, but

I just wanted to say that I hope you get your tx sooner rather than later.

I hope it is not bad news too. Sort of a double

edged sword, and I just wanted to send good vibes your way.

Blessings for a peaceful Christmas,

Mom of Zoe

(13) super soccer player;

Noah (9) UC,

PSC, and osteopenia and a great soccer and basketball player and;

Aidan (5)

moderately-severely hearing impaired great basketball shot (10-foot

hoop none-the-less)

[Guest guest]

athan,

I also hope you get your transplant soon. I just wanted to let you

know that in the week and a half that was in the hospital at

Vanderbilt that his surgeon Dr. performed at least 6

transplants that we know about. There were probably more, but we

figured this many out just from overhearing the doctors and nurses

talk in the halls. I'm not sure if the other surgeons were also

doing transplants, but we were amazed at how many Dr. did.

They are getting them done here pretty fast. We are still in the

motel waiting to hopefully go home this Thursday after we see Dr.

in clinic. If you will remember it was only a week after

moved to the top of the list here that he got the call. Hopefully,

you will get extra points, and be on your way to a healthier life

after transplant. Keep us updated. I feel like I know you without

ever meeting you because of this group and our similar doctors. You

are still seeing Dr. Raiford right?

If you get the opportunity to meet Dr. you will love him. He

is down to earth, very young actually, and always takes time to

explain everything to us. I was impressed with him the first time I

met him. We were in the elevator on our way to the 9 th floor the

first morning we arrived at Vandy. was undergoing the typical

blood work, chest x rays, etc. I was looking at his white coat and

he was looking at my visitor pass. He stook out his hand and

said, " hi, I'm Beau . " I said, " you will be doing my husband's

transplant " and he looked at my visitor badge with our last name and

said, " yes, I will be right in to see him as soon as I check on some

of my other transplant patients. " Ever since then anytime he sees me

in the hallway he stops and speaks. That helps make a scary

situation a little easier.

Anyway, I hope everything works out for you.

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks for the information and words of encouragement. It's sort of

strange to think that I could have a transplant pretty soon, when I've

been waiting for so long. Then again maybe I'll have to wait another

few years! I guess I just need to have patience.

Based on what I've found online, and what info that people here have

provided, it looks like if I do get the extra points I will be in the

19-24 range which would put me at or near the top of the list...

athan

PS. Sorry I didn't get to see you when I was over there last week, but

I didn't get your email 'till after I got home... Hope continues

to improve!