Page 50 - SAHCS HIVMed Journal Vol 20 No 1 2019

Page 21 of 26 Guideline

Appendix 3: The Karnofsky score

The Karnofsky score was developed in 1948, enabling physicians to evaluate a patient’s ability to survive cancer chemotherapy. It is still in
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general use; however, its insensitivity and non-specificity with regard to HIV-infected patients limit its use in deciding on access to hospice-
related care.
• 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
• 70 – Cares for self; unable to carry out normal activity or to do active work
• 60 – Requires occasional assistance, but is able to care for most of their personal needs
• 50 – Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care
• 40 – Disabled; requires special care and assistance
• 30 – Severely disabled; hospital admission is indicated although death not imminent
• 20 – Very sick; hospital admission is necessary; active supportive treatment is necessary
• 10 – Moribund; fatal processes progressing rapidly
• 0 – Dead.

Source: Karnofsky DA, Abelmann WH, Craver LF, Burchenal JH. The use of the nitrogen mustards in the palliative treatment of carcinoma –
With particular reference to bronchogenic carcinoma. Cancer. 1948;1(4):634–656. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142

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