Selection of pediatric candidates under the PELD system

Key Points 1 The PELD score accurately predicts the 3 month probability of waiting list death for children with chronic liver disease. 2 Comparing pre and post PELD and MELD implementation, the percent of children receiving deceased donor livers increased and the percent of children dying on the list decreased after PELD/MELD implementation. 3 Excluding children transplanted at status 1, the largest percentage of children are transplanted at a PELD score < 10. 4 Before MELD/PELD 48% of all children receiving deceased donor organs were transplanted at status 1, compared to 41% in the PELD/MELD era. Wide regional variation occurs. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:S23–S30.)