How to Use Child-Pugh Calculator
Enter bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time prolongation, then select ascites and encephalopathy severity. The Child-Pugh Calculator converts each domain into 1, 2, or 3 points and adds them.
The result shows the total score and class A, B, or C. It also lists the laboratory point contributions so users can see which measurement is driving the class.
Use consistent clinical definitions for ascites and encephalopathy. Changing from controlled ascites to moderate ascites can shift the class even when lab values stay the same.
Formula & Theory — Child-Pugh Calculator
The Child-Pugh Calculator uses the following formula or scoring rule:
Total = bilirubin points + albumin points + PT points + ascites points + encephalopathy points
A = 5-6, B = 7-9, C = 10-15Child-Pugh classification combines synthetic liver function, cholestatic burden, coagulation, fluid accumulation, and neuropsychiatric involvement.
Lower albumin scores worse because it reflects reduced synthetic function. Higher bilirubin and greater PT prolongation score worse because they reflect impaired clearance and coagulation.
The score is widely used but not exhaustive. MELD, renal function, sodium, acute decompensation, bleeding, infection, and transplant context may also matter.
Use Cases for Child-Pugh Calculator
The Child-Pugh Calculator is useful in specific situations such as:
- teaching liver disease staging basics
- checking how one abnormal lab changes Child-Pugh class
- summarizing cirrhosis severity in a case discussion
- reviewing the contribution of ascites or encephalopathy to total score