The CDAI, or Crohn's Disease Activity Index, represents a research tool by which doctors evaluate the symptoms of patients with Crohn's disease. This important research tool has enabled doctors to better diagnose and understand the disease over time. The score attempts to also index the quality of life for Crohn's patients. Generally, a score of 150 or less represents a better quality of life. You can complete the CDAI calculus on your own by honestly answering a set of questions.
Instructions
1. Find an assessment test for Crohn's. You can find many of these for free online (See references). Otherwise, you can simply answer questions on your own.
2. Write down the number of liquid stools each day for seven days. Multiply this figure by 2.
3. Grade your abdominal pain on a scale from 0 to 3, 3 being the highest. Multiply that figure by 5.
4. Assess your general well being, 0 being great and 4 being the worst. Multiply that figure by 7.
5. Assess any serious complications you have. Multiply the number of complications by 20.
6. Answer whether or not you take opiates for diahrea. If you do, add 30 to your score.
7. Determine if you have an abdominal mass and add either 20 for a possible mass or 50 for a definite mass.
8. Add up your figure. This represents your final Crohn's score. A score of 150 or less represents a good quality of life.
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