Child-Pugh Classification Parameters

The modified Child-Pugh classification is used to assess the severity of liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, and to predict prognosis.

Key Parameters for Staging Cirrhosis

The classification utilizes a combination of laboratory values and clinical assessments. The essential parameters included in the modified Child-Pugh score are:

• Serum Albumin: Measures the liver's synthetic function. Lower levels indicate poorer function.
• Serum Bilirubin: Indicates the liver's ability to process and excrete bilirubin. Higher levels suggest impaired function.
• Prothrombin Time (PT)/INR: Reflects the liver's production of clotting factors. Prolonged PT/INR indicates reduced synthetic capacity.
• Ascites: The presence and severity of fluid accumulation in the abdomen, assessed clinically.
• Hepatic Encephalopathy: Refers to the neurological complications arising from liver failure, assessed clinically based on severity.

Each parameter is assigned points based on its value or clinical presence, contributing to the overall Child-Pugh score, which helps in staging the disease severity.