The Child-Pugh calculator is a tool used to assess the prognosis of chronic liver disease, specifically cirrhosis. It evaluates the severity of liver disease and helps determine treatment plans or the need for a liver transplant.
RESULTS
Using the Child-Pugh Calculator
To use the calculator:
Step 1
Input values for the five key factors (bilirubin, albumin, etc.).
Step Two
Select options based on the patient’s condition (ascites and encephalopathy).
Step Three
View the result, which provides the Child-Pugh score and the corresponding disease class.
How the Calculator Works
The Child-Pugh score is calculated based on five key factors:
- Bilirubin Level
- Serum Albumin Level
- Prothrombin Time (or INR)
- Ascites (Fluid in the abdomen)
- Encephalopathy (Brain function impairment due to liver disease)
Each factor is assigned a score from 1 to 3, with 3 being the most severe. The total score classifies the liver disease into three categories:
- Class A (5-6 points): Mild liver disease.
- Class B (7-9 points): Moderate liver disease.
- Class C (10-15 points): Severe liver disease.
Child-Pugh Score Breakdown
| Item | 1 Point | 2 Points | 3 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilirubin (mg/dL) | < 2 | 2-3 | > 3 |
| Albumin (g/dL) | > 3.5 | 2.8-3.5 | < 2.8 |
| Prothrombin Time (or INR) | < 1.7 | 1.7-2.3 | > 2.3 |
| Ascites | None | Mild | Severe |
| Encephalopathy | None | Grade I-II | Grade III-IV |
Child-Pugh Classes
| Class | Score Range | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| A | 5-6 points | Mild |
| B | 7-9 points | Moderate |
| C | 10-15 points | Severe |
What the Child-Pugh Score Means
The score helps doctors determine the severity of liver disease and its prognosis.
- Class A: Good liver function, typically with a better outlook.
- Class B: Moderate impairment, requiring treatment and monitoring.
- Class C: Poor prognosis, often indicating the need for a liver transplant.
FAQs
1. How does the Child Pugh score help doctors with treatment plans?
Doctors use the Child-Pugh score to decide on treatments and if a patient can handle surgeries, like trans jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts or elective surgery.
2. Can the Child Pugh classification tell me about my risk of liver cancer?
Yes, it helps doctors figure out risks, including liver cancer stages in people with diseases like hepatitis B and C or other conditions that hurt your liver.
3. What factors are important for calculating a person’s Child Pugh score?
Important factors include bilirubin levels, creatinine level, whether there’s fluid buildup in your belly (ascites), brain function affected by your liver (hepatic encephalopathy), and how well your blood clots using INR.
4. Is the MELD Score different from the Child Pugh classification?
Yes – while both measure how serious your liver problem is, they look at different signs; MELD focuses more on kidney function and has become widely used for transplant lists.
5. Does having viral hepatitis affect my Child Pugh score?
It might – be because viruses cause scarring in the liver tissue which can lead to more symptoms affecting scores related to things like portal hypertension or varices.
Related Calculators: