Prognostic value of a predictive score based on functional parameters for clinical outcome in patients with decompensated cirrhosis of the liver

Aim To create a predictive score based on functional parameters of the liver and determine its prognostic value in survival of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Methods Retrospective observational study included 91 consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Functional parameters (bilirubin, AST – aspartate aminotransferase, ALT – alanine aminotransferase, ALP – alkaline phosphatase, GGT – gammaglutamyltranferase, albumin, prothrombin time, platelet count, haematocrit and creatinine), Child-Pugh (CP) and Model of EndStage Liver Disease (MELD) scores have been measured at first hospitalization and at every exacerbation episode over follow-up period of 24 months. Results Using Cox regression analysis, we found that age (OR=1.206; p=0.03; 95% CI=1.019-1.428), serum bilirubin (OR=1.017; p=0.003; 95% CI=1.006-1.029), INR (International normalized ratio) (OR=6.262; p=0.002; 95% CI=1.924-20.378) and serum creatinine (OR=1.019; p=0.005; 95% CI=1.006- 1.032) had statistically strong association with the incidence of a six-month mortality. Age (OR=1.120; p=0.006; 95% CI=1.033- 1.214), serum bilirubin (OR=1.021; p=0.0001; 95% CI=1.010-1.032), GGT (OR=1.007; p=0.023; 95% CI=1.001-1.014), INR (OR=9.571; p=0.001; 95% CI=2.610-35.098), haematocrit (OR=0.695; p=0.001; 95% CI=0.559-0.864) and serum creatinine (OR=1.023; p=0.0001; 95% CI=1.011-1.035) showed an increased the risk for a 24-month lethal outcome. Predictive score derived from liver functional parameters, CP and MELD scores, each independently has shown a high degree of death prediction after 6 or 24 months in patients with end-stage liver disease. Conclusion Predictive score derived from liver functional parameters had a better prognostic value for short-term and long-term mortality comparing to MELD and Child-Pugh score.