Child-Pugh Calculator
What is Child-Pugh Calculator
The Child-Pugh score grades the severity of cirrhosis and helps estimate prognosis and surgical risk. It scores five variables from 1 to 3 points each: bilirubin, albumin, INR, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. The total from 5 to 15 sorts patients into class A, well compensated, class B, significant compromise, or class C, decompensated disease.
How to use
- Enter bilirubin in mg/dL and albumin in g/dL.
- Enter the INR.
- Select the degree of ascites and of encephalopathy.
- Read the total score out of 15 and the Child-Pugh class.
When to use it
A patient with cirrhosis is being assessed for surgery and you need a quick prognostic anchor? Enter a bilirubin of 1.5, albumin of 4.0, INR of 1.2 with no ascites or encephalopathy, and the score is 5, class A, the group with the lowest operative risk. As decompensation appears, the score climbs into class B or C, which changes the whole risk conversation.
Frequently asked questions
What do the Child-Pugh classes mean?
A total of 5 to 6 points is class A, 7 to 9 is class B, and 10 to 15 is class C. Higher classes carry worse one- and two-year survival and greater risk from surgery or interventions.
How are ascites and encephalopathy graded?
Both are clinical judgements. None scores 1 point, mild or controlled scores 2, and severe, refractory or advanced (encephalopathy grade 3 to 4) scores 3. This subjectivity is a known limitation of the score.
How does Child-Pugh differ from MELD?
Child-Pugh includes clinical findings (ascites, encephalopathy) and albumin, while MELD is purely biochemical and continuous. MELD is used for transplant allocation, whereas Child-Pugh remains useful for general prognosis and surgical risk.
Can I share this tool with my inputs pre-filled?
Yes. The URL updates automatically as you type. Copy it from the address bar or use the Copy link button, and anyone who opens the link will see your exact inputs ready to go.
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