Child-Pugh Score for Cirrhosis
Classify severity of liver cirrhosis and estimate prognosis
Clinical Interpretation
Class A (5-6 points) represents mild disease. Class B (7-9 points) represents moderate disease. Class C (10-15 points) represents severe disease. High scores correlate with reduced 1-year and 2-year survival.
Mathematical Metric
Evidence & Lit
References: Pugh RN, Murray-Lyon IM, Dawson JL, et al. Transection of the oesophagus for bleeding oesophageal varices. Br J Surg 1973.
Pugh RN et al., Br J Surg 1973 (PMID: 4515662) →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Child-Pugh score?
The Child-Pugh score is a clinical staging system used to assess the prognosis of chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. It evaluates total bilirubin, serum albumin, INR, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy.
What are the Child-Pugh classification classes?
Patients are categorized into three classes: Class A (Score 5-6, 100% 1-year survival), Class B (Score 7-9, 81% 1-year survival), and Class C (Score 10-15, 45% 1-year survival).
How does the Child-Pugh score differ from the MELD score?
The Child-Pugh score includes subjective parameters (ascites and encephalopathy) alongside labs. The MELD score is purely objective and laboratory-based (creatinine, bilirubin, INR, sodium), making it preferred for transplant allocation.
What is the maximum Child-Pugh score?
The score ranges from a minimum of 5 points to a maximum of 15 points. Higher scores indicate more severe hepatic impairment and poorer prognosis.