the karnofsky scale

[al from Canada]

I don't know how many times I read inclusion criteria in trials stating: must have a score of 70 in the karnovski performance rating scale. And how many times have I asked myself, "what the hell is that??" So here it is:

Able to carry on normal activity and to work; no special care needed.

100 Normal no complaints; no evidence of disease.

90 Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs or symptoms of disease.

80 Normal activity with effort; some signs or symptoms of disease.

Unable to work; able to live at home and care for most personal needs; varying amount of assistance needed.

70 Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or to do active work.

60 Requires occasional assistance, but is able to care for most of his personal needs.

50 Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care.

Unable to care for self; requires equivalent of institutional or hospital care; disease may be progressing rapidly.

40 Disabled; requires special care and assistance.

30 Severely disabled; hospital admission is indicated although death not imminent.

20 Very sick; hospital admission necessary; active supportive treatment necessary.

10 Moribund; fatal processes progressing rapidly.

0 Dead