Child-Pugh score (cirrhosis)

The Child-Pugh score describes liver function in cirrhosis using three laboratory values and two clinical findings. It classifies severity into classes A, B and C.

⚠︎ Learning tool for medical education – not for use in patients or for treatment decisions.

Calculator

Total bilirubin
Albumin
INR
Ascites
Hepatic encephalopathy
–points

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Classification (original publication)

ScoreClassification (original publication)
5–6Child A – well-compensated cirrhosis
7–9Child B – significant functional compromise
10–15Child C – decompensated cirrhosis

Child-Pugh and MELD

The Child-Pugh classification describes the severity of liver dysfunction in cirrhosis from laboratory and clinical findings. The MELD score, by contrast, uses laboratory values only.

Limitations

Ascites and encephalopathy are assessed subjectively; albumin and INR can be altered by external factors. In cholestatic liver diseases (PBC, PSC), higher bilirubin thresholds are sometimes used.

FAQ

Which Child-Pugh score corresponds to Child C?▾

10 to 15 points. Child A covers 5–6, Child B 7–9 points.

References

  1. Pugh RN et al. Transection of the oesophagus for bleeding oesophageal varices. Br J Surg 1973;60:646–9. · PubMed

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InnereFuchs bundles Wells, CHA₂DS₂-VA, HAS-BLED, CRB-65, qSOFA, Child-Pugh, eGFR and more – together with flashcards and exam questions.

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Intended purpose: learning tool for medical education only. Not intended for use in patients or for diagnostic or treatment decisions; not a medical device. Calculations follow the cited original publications; no guarantee of completeness or correctness. Last updated: 09/2026 · Dr. Pascal Bafteh