Child - Pugh classification (liver cirrhosis)
Last reviewed 07/2021
The Child- Pugh classification is a means of assessing the severity of liver cirrhosis.
| Score | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| bilirubin (micromol/l) | <34 | 34-50 | >50 |
| albumin (g/l) | >35 | 28-35 | <28 |
| PT (s prolonged) | <4 | 4-6 | >6 |
| encephalopathy | none | mild | marked |
| ascites | none | mild | marked |
If there is primary biliary cirrhosis or sclerosing cholangitis then bilirubin is classified as <68=1; 68-170=2; >170=3.
The individual scores are summed and then grouped as:
- <7 = A
- 7-9 = B
- >9 = C
A C classification forecasts a survival of less than 12 months.
From: Pugh RNH, Murray-Lyon IM, Dawson JL et al. Transection of the oesophagus for bleeding oesophageal varices. Br J Surg 1973;60:649-9.