Objective:

To determine the validity of the Palliative Prognosis Index (PapScore) in cancer patients referred to the National Center for Pain Control and Palliative Care of Costa Rica.

Methods:

Descriptive, observational and prospective study of oncological patients referred for the first time to the National Center of Pain Control and Palliative Care during the months of May and June 2015. The PaP Score was used. The database was made in Excel and the statistical analysis in the SPSS program.

Results:

100 patients were studied, 54% male, with an average age of 67.1 years. Gastric cancer was the most prevalent pathology with 12% of cases, 23% of patients present dyspnea, 56% anorexia. The majority of patients (67%) underwent a clinical prognosis of more than 12 weeks, 83% were classified in group A, 17% in group B and no patient in group C. Analyzing the risk classification as a diagnostic test to predict mortality at one month, shows a sensitivity of 61.9%, specificity 94.9%, with positive predictive value 76.5% and negative predictive value 90.4%.

Conclusion:

The PaP Score or Palliative Prognosis Index scale is an instrument that adapts to the possibilities of our national environment. It is an excellent tool as a predictor of survival at one month, regardless of the type of tumor, with high efficacy and prognostic validity.

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