Table 1 Comparison of the original Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS), Thorne-modified Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (TKPS), and the Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (AKPS). Italicised areas reflect the original KPS instrument.
Score (Category) | Original Karnofsky (KPS) | Thorne-modified Karnofsky (TKPS) | Australia-modified Karnofsky (AKPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
100 (A) | Normal; no complaints; no evidence of disease. | Normal; no complaints; no evidence of disease. | Normal; no complaints; no evidence of disease. |
90 (A) | Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs or symptoms. | Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs or symptoms. | Able to carry on normal activity; minor signs or symptoms. |
80 (A) | Normal activity with effort; some signs or symptoms of disease. | Normal activity with effort; some signs or symptoms of disease. | Normal activity with effort; some signs or symptoms of disease. |
70 (B) | Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or to do active work. | Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or to do active work. | Cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or to do active work. |
60 (B) | Requires occasional assistance but is able to care for most of his needs. | Requires professional visits less than once a week. | Requires occasional assistance but is able to care for most of his needs. |
50 (B) | Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care | Requires professional visits more than once a week. | Requires considerable assistance and frequent medical care |
40 (C) | Disabled; requires special care and assistance. | In bed more than 50% of the time. | In bed more than 50% of the time. |
30 (C) | Severely disabled; hospitalisation necessary; active supportive treatment is necessary. | Almost completely bedfast. | Almost completely bedfast. |
20 (C) | Very sick; hospitalisation necessary; active supportive treatment is necessary. | Totally bedfast and requiring extensive nursing care by professionals and/or family. | Totally bedfast and requiring extensive nursing care by professionals and/or family. |
10 (C) | Moribund; fatal processes progressing rapidly. | Comatose or barely arousable. | Comatose or barely arousable. |
0 | Dead. | Dead. | Dead. |