# Maddrey Discriminant Function Calculator (Alcoholic Hepatitis)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/discriminant-function/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The Maddrey discriminant function calculator grades the severity of alcoholic hepatitis from prothrombin time and bilirubin. A score of 32 or more indicates severe disease with high short-term mortality, where corticosteroids may be considered.

## Inputs

- Patient prothrombin time (s)
- Control prothrombin time (s)
- Bilirubin (mg/dL, µmol/L)

## Results

- Maddrey discriminant function

## Formula

```
Maddrey DF = 4.6 × (patient PT − control PT) (s) + bilirubin (mg/dL)
≥ 32: severe alcoholic hepatitis
```

## Explanation

Alcoholic hepatitis is an acute inflammation of the liver from heavy drinking. Untreated, patients with a discriminant function of 32 or more have a one-month mortality of 30–50%. The Lille score at day 7 then shows whether steroids are working.

### How to use the Maddrey Discriminant Function Calculator

- **Patient prothrombin time**
- **Control prothrombin time**
- **Bilirubin**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the patient's and control prothrombin times and bilirubin.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterPatient prothrombin timeIn sControl prothrombin timeIn sBilirubinUnits: mg/dL, µmol/L

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Patient prothrombin time** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Patient prothrombin time (s)Maddrey discriminant function10-1.21521.82044.82567.83090.840136.8
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Patient prothrombin time: 20 s; Control prothrombin time: 12 s; Bilirubin: 8 mg/dL.

Results — **Maddrey discriminant function = 44.8**.

## Key terms

- **DF**: Discriminant function.

## FAQ

**What does a score of 32 or more mean?**
Severe alcoholic hepatitis with high one-month mortality.

**Are steroids always given?**
They are considered when there are no contraindications such as infection or GI bleeding.

**What other scores are used?**
MELD and the Glasgow alcoholic hepatitis score.


## Sources

- [Maddrey WC et al. Corticosteroid therapy of alcoholic hepatitis. Gastroenterology, 1978](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/352788/)