Karnofsky performance status

Last revised by Frank Gaillard on 6 Apr 2022

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Gaillard F, Karnofsky performance status. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-98727

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-98727

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/98727

rID:

98727

Article created:

5 Apr 2022, Frank Gaillard ◉ ◈

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Frank Gaillard had the following disclosures:

Radiopaedia Australia Pty Ltd, Founder and CEO (ongoing)
Biogen Australia Pty Ltd, Investigator-Initiated Research Grant for CAD software development in multiple sclerosis (past)

These were assessed during peer review and were determined to not be relevant to the changes that were made.

View Frank Gaillard's current disclosures

Last revised:

6 Apr 2022, Frank Gaillard ◉ ◈

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Frank Gaillard had the following disclosures:

Radiopaedia Australia Pty Ltd, Founder and CEO (ongoing)
Biogen Australia Pty Ltd, Investigator-Initiated Research Grant for CAD software development in multiple sclerosis (past)

These were assessed during peer review and were determined to not be relevant to the changes that were made.

View Frank Gaillard's current disclosures

Revisions:

1 time, by 1 contributor - see full revision history and disclosures

Sections:

Classifications

The Karnofsky performance status (KPS) is a standardised measure of a patient’s ability to perform a variety of ordinary tasks. It is a score that ranges from 0 to 100 with a higher score indicating higher (less impaired) function. It is widely used in trials and allows for patient groups to be compared.

Scale

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 on 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 is not imminent
20: very sick; hospital admission necessary; active supportive treatment necessary
10: moribund; fatal processes progressing rapidly
0: dead

History and etymology

Karnofsky performance status was first published by David A. Karnofsky et al in 1948 as part of a paper on the efficacy of nitrogen mustards on carcinoma ¹.