[Use of the Karnofsky index in the evaluation of patients with acute leukemia].

The longitudinal study of prospective character was performed during the treatment with the aim to test if Karnofsky's index is an instrument susceptible to the changes in performance status in the population of adult patients with acute leukemia. Performance status points out the person's independence in every day activities and personal care, and more widely, the independence in social and other activities. The aim was to establish its changes in adult patients and its possible prognostic value for the therapy success. The prognostic value of person's activity level was confirmed for the survival length and the lasting, but not for the complete remission achievement. It was concluded that Karnofsky's index was sensitive only for large changes in functional status of acute leukemia patients.