Predictive Value of Models for End-Stage Liver Disease Score in Patients With Pulsatile Flow POLVAD MEV Left Ventricular Assist Device Support.BACKGROUND
 Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score predicts multisystem dysfunction and death in patients with heart failure (HF).  Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been used for the treatment of end-stage HF.


 We evaluated the prognostic values of MELD, MELD-XI, and MELD-Na scores in patients with POLVAD MEV LVAD.


 We retrospectively analyzed data of 25 consecutive pulsatile flow POLVAD MEV LVAD patients (22 men and 3 women) divided in 2 groups: Group S (survivors), 20 patients (18 men and 2 women), and Group NS (nonsurvivors), 5 patients (4 men and 1 woman).  Patients were qualified in INTERMACS class 1 (7 patients) and class 2 (18 patients).  Clinical data and laboratory parameters for MELD, MELD-XI, and MELD-Na score calculation were obtained on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Study endpoints were mortality or 30 days survival.  MELD scores and complications were compared between Groups S and NS.


 Demographics did not differ.  MELD scores were insignificantly higher in patients who died (Group 2).  Values were as follows: 1. MELD preoperatively (21.71 vs 15.28, P = .225) in day 1 (22.03 vs 17.14, P = .126), day 2 (20.52 vs 17.03, P = .296); 2. MELD-XI preoperatively (19.28 vs 16.39, P = .48), day 1 (21.55 vs 18.14, P = .2662), day 2 (20.45 vs 17.2, P = .461); and 3. MELD-Na preoperatively (20.78 vs 18.7, P = .46), day 1 23.68 vs 18.12, P = .083), day 2 (22.00 vs 19.19, P = .295) consecutively.


 CONCLUSIONS
 The MELD scores do not identify patients with pulsatile LVAD at high risk for mortality in our series. 
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