The Karnofsky Performance Scale Index allows patients to be classified as to their functional impairment. This can be used to compare effectiveness of different therapies and to assess the prognosis in individual patients. The lower the Karnofsky score, the worse the survival for most serious illnesses. Other similar scales of performance status include the Zubrod , TNM and AJC-ECOG scales.
General Category Description
Specific Criteria
Index
able to carry out normal activities; no special care required
normal; no evidence of disease and no physical complaints
100
able to carry on normal activities but has minor signs or symptoms of disease
90
normal activity with effort; some signs or symptoms of disease
80
unable to work; able to live at home and care for most personal needs; varying amounts of assistance needed
unable to carry on normal activities or to work, but able to care for self
70
requires occasional assistance from others but able to care for most needs
60
requires considerable assistance from others and frequent medical care
50
unable to care for self; requires institutional or hospital care or equivalent; disease may be rapidly progressing
disabled; requires special care and assistance
40
severely disabled; death not imminent; stay in hospital indicated
30
very sick; necessary to be in hospital; active supportive treatment necessary
20
moribund
10
dead
0
[after Table 1, page 386, O'Toole (1991)]
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