524 – Karnofsky Index and Apache II Score in Severe Dementia

Abstract

Introduction:

Karnofsky score is used in oncology and APACHE II score in critical care to estimate prognosis of patients with severe health conditions. In psychogeriatric palliative care such indicators are still missing althought it can be usefull to have such instrument.

Objectives, aims:

To determine whether Karnofsky score and APACHE II score can be also used in psychogeriatry.

Methods:

Prospective study done in 2011 in psychogeriatric wards, Mental hospital Kromeriz. Karnofsky score and APACHE II score were measured in patients with severe dementia (MMSE bellow 6) at the beginning of the hospitalisation. Lethality was prospectively followed in relation to Karnofsky score and APACHE II score.

Results:

Correlation between Karnofsky score, APACHE II and lethality in patients with severe dementia was strong (r = 0.64 for Karnofsky score, r = 0.72).

Conclusion:

Both Karnofsky score and APACHE II score can be used in psychogeriatry as well to estimate prognosis in patients with severe dementia.