Child-Pugh Score Calculator
Calculate Child-Pugh score and class (A/B/C) — the classic measure of chronic liver disease severity and surgical risk.
What is Child-Pugh Score?
The Child-Pugh score, originally developed by Child and Turcotte in 1964 and modified by Pugh in 1973, classifies the severity of chronic liver disease (predominantly cirrhosis). It combines two laboratory values (bilirubin, albumin), the INR (replacing the older PT prolongation), and two clinical findings (ascites, encephalopathy). Despite the rise of MELD, Child-Pugh remains widely used because it captures clinical features that lab-only scores miss.
How is it calculated?
Each parameter scores 1, 2 or 3 based on severity. Total 5–6 = Class A (well compensated), 7–9 = Class B (significant compromise), 10–15 = Class C (decompensated). One- and two-year survival differ markedly between classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Child-Pugh vs MELD — which is better?
- MELD is more objective and used for transplant priority; Child-Pugh adds clinical context.
- Is Child-Pugh used for surgery?
- Yes — it estimates peri-operative mortality in cirrhotic patients.
- How often should it be reassessed?
- Every 3–6 months in stable disease, sooner with decompensation.
- Can Child-Pugh improve?
- Yes — abstinence and antiviral therapy can move some patients from Class B back to A.