Printed on 2/13/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
The Child-Pugh score (also known as the Child-Turcotte-Pugh score) classifies the severity of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. It combines five clinical and laboratory parameters — total bilirubin, serum albumin, INR, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy — to classify patients into Class A (well-compensated), B (significant compromise), or C (decompensated). It is widely used for surgical risk assessment and prognosis in cirrhosis.
Formula: Child-Pugh = Bilirubin(1–3) + Albumin(1–3) + INR(1–3) + Ascites(1–3) + Encephalopathy(1–3)
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
Calculate the MELD and MELD-Na scores to assess liver disease severity and transplant priority. Uses bilirubin, INR, creatinine, and sodium.
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The Child-Pugh score classifies chronic liver disease into three classes: A (5–6 points, well-compensated), B (7–9 points, significant functional compromise), and C (10–15 points, decompensated). Each of five parameters is scored 1–3 points.
Child-Pugh uses both objective (labs) and subjective (ascites, encephalopathy) criteria and classifies patients into three broad classes. MELD uses only objective lab values and provides a continuous numerical score. MELD is preferred for transplant allocation; Child-Pugh is widely used for surgical risk assessment and prognosis.
Child-Pugh Class A: ~100% 1-year survival, ~85% 2-year survival. Class B: ~81% 1-year survival, ~57% 2-year survival. Class C: ~45% 1-year survival, ~35% 2-year survival. These are general estimates and vary by specific liver disease and comorbidities.
Common uses include: assessing operative risk in cirrhotic patients (Class C patients have very high surgical mortality), guiding decisions about interventions (e.g., variceal banding, TIPS placement), monitoring disease progression, and as an entry criterion for clinical trials.