The Discriminant Function, often eponymously referred to by its creator, is a prognostic model used in hepatology. This model utilizes readily available laboratory values, typically serum bilirubin and prothrombin time, to calculate a numerical score. For instance, a patient presenting with a serum bilirubin of 5.0 mg/dL and a prothrombin time of 15 seconds could have their score calculated using this method.
This scoring system provides clinicians with an objective assessment of disease severity in individuals with alcoholic hepatitis. This assessment is crucial for determining the potential benefit of corticosteroid therapy and for stratifying patients into different risk categories. Developed in the 1970s, it remains a cornerstone of clinical practice, offering valuable insights into prognosis and guiding treatment decisions, though more recent models exist and are sometimes preferred. Its widespread adoption reflects its clinical utility in managing this complex condition.
