A plain-English guide to how cirrhosis (liver scarring) progresses, based on compensated vs decompensated (Child-Pugh). Understand each stage, what changes, and where treatment fits.
In short: Cirrhosis is described in two broad clinical stages — compensated and decompensated — with the Child-Pugh score (A, B, C) grading severity. The shift from compensated to decompensated is the key turning point in prognosis.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Compensated cirrhosis | The liver is scarred but still doing its job. There may be no symptoms, or only fatigue. Many people live for years at this stage with the right care. |
| Decompensated cirrhosis | Complications appear — fluid in the abdomen (ascites), variceal bleeding, confusion (encephalopathy) or jaundice. This stage signals advanced disease and is when transplant assessment matters. |
| Child-Pugh A / B / C | A scoring grade (from bilirubin, albumin, clotting, ascites and encephalopathy) that ranks severity from A (best preserved) to C (severe), guiding prognosis and transplant decisions. |
Source: Child-Pugh classification; compensated/decompensated framework. Graded by a hepatologist. Staging is a clinical assessment — only a qualified specialist can stage your condition.
Conventional, stage-appropriate treatment is the foundation for cirrhosis (liver scarring). Stem-cell therapy is investigational for this condition — not an approved cure. For an honest, sourced look at the evidence, cost and open trials, see stem cell therapy for Liver Cirrhosis and what the success-rate data really shows.
Cirrhosis (liver scarring) is typically described in 3 stages using compensated vs decompensated (Child-Pugh). The stages chart how the condition progresses; the pace varies a lot between individuals.
The most advanced stage is “Child-Pugh A / B / C” — A scoring grade (from bilirubin, albumin, clotting, ascites and encephalopathy) that ranks severity from A (best preserved) to C (severe), guiding prognosis and transplant decisions.
Stem-cell therapy for Liver Cirrhosis is investigational, not an approved cure — see our honest, sourced overview of stem cell therapy for Liver Cirrhosis (evidence, cost and trials) before considering it.
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