Gastroenterology: Child-Pugh and MELD: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Gastroenterology: Child-Pugh and MELD

Sample item

Which statement about cirrhosis prognostic scores is correct?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. MELD uses bilirubin, INR, creatinine and sodium and is used to prioritise liver transplant allocation

MELD-Na is calculated from bilirubin, INR, creatinine and serum sodium and predicts 3-month mortality for transplant priority. Child-Pugh uses bilirubin, albumin, INR, ascites and encephalopathy. Transaminases are not part of either score.

Option by option

  • A. MELD uses albumin and ascites

    Albumin and ascites belong to Child-Pugh.

  • B. Child-Pugh uses ALT and AST

    Child-Pugh does not include transaminases.

  • C. Child-Pugh uses platelet count

    Platelet count is not a Child-Pugh variable.

  • D. MELD uses bilirubin, INR, creatinine and sodium and is used to prioritise liver transplant allocation (correct)

    Correct. This accurately describes MELD.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is D, MELD uses bilirubin, INR, creatinine and sodium and is used to prioritise liver transplant allocation. MELD-Na is calculated from bilirubin, INR, creatinine and serum sodium and predicts 3-month mortality for transplant priority.

Why is "MELD uses albumin and ascites" not the answer?

Albumin and ascites belong to Child-Pugh.

Why is "Child-Pugh uses ALT and AST" not the answer?

Child-Pugh does not include transaminases.

Why is "Child-Pugh uses platelet count" not the answer?

Platelet count is not a Child-Pugh variable.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastroenterology: Child-Pugh and MELD in General Medicine. Child-Pugh uses bilirubin, albumin, INR, ascites and encephalopathy. Transaminases are not part of either score.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Gastroenterology: Child-Pugh and MELD?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.