The 3 stages of cirrhosis (liver scarring): a clear guide (2026)

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.

The 3 stages of cirrhosis (liver scarring)

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.

Where stem-cell therapy fits

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) stages — common questions

How many stages of cirrhosis (liver scarring) are there?

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.

What is the final stage of cirrhosis (liver scarring)?

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.

Can stem cell therapy help with cirrhosis (liver scarring)?

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.