Karnofsky Performance Scale
Also written as: KPS — Karnofsky Performance Scale
A standardized assessment tool measuring a patient's functional status and ability to perform daily activities, scored from 0-100.
Full Definition
The Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) is a widely used assessment tool in neurosurgical oncology for evaluating a patient's overall functional status and quality of life. The scale ranges from 0 (dead) to 100 (normal activity, no complaints), with scores typically categorized into ranges that correlate with prognosis and treatment eligibility. In brain tumor patients, KPS scores help determine surgical candidacy, predict outcomes, and guide treatment decisions. Higher scores generally indicate better functional status and improved survival prospects. The scale is particularly valuable in clinical trials and for communicating patient status among healthcare teams.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalized; commonly abbreviated as KPS in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's Karnofsky Performance Scale score of 80 indicated good functional status for surgical intervention." — preoperative assessment
- "Clinical trial eligibility required a minimum Karnofsky Performance Scale of 70." — research protocol