Paediatric Hepatology Dependency score (PHD score): an audit tool.

Background: The aim was to develop a tool that measures patient dependency and disease severity in children with mild to severe liver disease.

Methods: The initial pilot score was based on known markers of disease severity in acute and chronic liver disease. Between 1997 and 2001, the score was modified 4 times and reduced to comprise 10 key parameters: aspartate transaminase, prothrombin time, albumin, bilirubin, ascites, nutritional support, organ dysfunction, blood product support, sepsis and intravenous access.