the CTP scoring system is used to determine the classes of Liver failure in the US.

There's 3 stages to Cirrhosis:

Stage A ("compensated"; not too sick)

StageB (beginning to decompensate; complications beginning to appear)

Stage C ("decompensated"; end stage)

Doctors use something called a CTP Score, to see what Stage of cirrhosis that a person is in.

The CTP Score is based on FIVE QUESTIONS.

You receive a point value (score) for each of the answers.

Here's How it Works:

1. Total Serum Bilirubin

.....if Bilirubin is <2 mg/dl: score 1 point

.....if Bilirubin is 2-3 mg/dl: score 2 points

.....if Bilirubin is >3 mg/dl: score 3 points

2. Serum Albumin

.....if Albumin is >3.5 g/dl: score 1 point

.....if Albumin is 2.8 to 3.5 g/dl: score 2 points

.....if Albumin is <2.8 g/dl: score 3 points

3. INR

.....if INR is <1.70: score 1 point

.....if INR is 1.71 to 2.20: score 2 points

.....if INR is >2.20: score 3 points

4. Ascites

.....No Ascites: score 1 point

.....Ascites controlled medically: score 2 points

.....Ascites poorly controlled: score 3 points

5. Encephalopathy

.....No Encephalopathy: score 1 point

.....Encephalopathy controlled medically: score 2 points

.....Encephalopathy poorly controlled: score 3 points

Total your score.....

Sum total score gives grades of:

5 to 6 points = Stage A Cirrhosis

7 to 9 points = Stage B Cirrhosis

10 to 15 points = Stage C Cirrhosis

A person has to be at least Stage B or Stage C, in order to get referred for an "Evaluation" for a chance at the liver transplant waiting list. (Stage A Cirrhosis is not sick enough to think about a referral for an evaluation.)

http://groups.msn.com/CirrhosisSupportGroup/stagesofcirrhosis.msnw

I hope this helps

Gail