MELD score in the prediction of perioperative risks in patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To determine the perioperative risks of partial hepatectomy by determining the preoperative liver functional reserve in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),and to compare the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score with the Child-Pugh classification in predicting prognosis.Methods We reviewed the clinical data of 202 patients with HCC who underwent partial hepatectomy.The MELD score and the Child-Pugh classification were determined preoperatively.Results The incidence of postoperative liver dysfunction happened in 44.0％ of Child A patients,50％ in Child B patients,41.6％in patients with a MELD score below 14,and 91.7％ in patients with a MELD score of ＞ 14.The difference between the rates of postoperative liver dysfunction in patients with a preoperative MELD score above 14 and below 14 was significant (P ＜ 0.05),while that between patients with Child-Pugh A and B was insignificant (P ＞ 0.05).The incidences of postoperative liver dysfunction in patient with a MELD ＜ 8,8 ≤ MELD ≤ 14,MELD ＞ 14 were 38.2％,57.6％ and 91.7％,respectively,indicating that there was a positive co-relationship between the MELD score and the incidences of liver dysfunction.The Spearman rank correlation test showed the MELD score was significant correlated with the Child-Pugh score (r =0.404 ; P ＜ 0.05).The areas under the ROC curves of the MELD score and the Child-Pugh score were 0.703 and 0.587 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The MELD score predicted postoperative liver dysfunction more accurately than the Child-Pugh classification.HCC patients undergoing partial hepatectomy with a preoperative MELD score ＞ 14 had a high perioperative risk.To ensure the safety of partial hepatectomy,HCC patients with a preoperative MELD score ＞ 14 requires active preoperative preparation,bringing the score near to or less than 14. Key words: Hepatocellular carcinoma;  Hepatectomy;  Liver reserve function;  Model for end-stage liver disease;  Child-Pugh score