Discriminant function

Discriminant function (also called modified Maddrey's discriminant function) was originally described by Maddrey and Boitnott to predict prognosis in alcoholic hepatitis. It is calculated by a simple formula:

$$\left [{4}.{6}\times\ prothombin\ time\ -\ control\ value\ (seconds)\right ]\ +\ serum\ bilirubin\ (mg/dl)\,$$

Prospective studies have shown that, it is useful in predicting short term prognosis especially mortality within 30 days. A value more than 32 implies poor outcome with one month mortality ranging between 35% to 45%.