What is Cachexia Syndrome Killing Most Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Heart Patients Worldwide?

Cachexia is a "wasting" disorder that leads to involuntary weight loss and muscle wasting, often including fat loss. It is a complex syndrome associated with underlying diseases and is marked by loss of muscle mass, inflammation, insulin resistance and increased protein turnover, often accompanied by anorexia. This condition typically affects people in the advanced stages of serious illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, COPD, kidney diseases and congestive heart failure.

The three stages of Cachexia

- Pre-cachexia (less than 5% body weight loss with illness)

- Cachexia (more than 5% body weight loss, muscle weakness, reduced appetite, inflammation, and fatigue)

- Refractory cachexia (seen in cancer patients with weight loss, muscle loss, and resistance to treatment)

Cachexia is caused by increased metabolism, reduced nutrient intake, and increased muscle breakdown. Its symptoms include muscle and fat loss, weakness, reduced muscle strength, appetite loss, low blood protein levels, anaemia, inflammation, low fat-free mass index and edema.

What are the risk factors associated with Cachexia?

According to Medical News Today, Cachexia usually occurs in the end stages of serious conditions like cancer. People who are suffering from diseases like cancer, COPD, chronic renal failure, congestive heart failure, with the symptoms of cachexia usually do not fully recover with nutritional support as it causes appetite and body weight loss. It even worsens a patient's prognosis.

Can Cachexia be treated?

The treatment of this disorder often depends on its associated underlying condition and typically involves multiple therapies to stop weight loss and muscle degradation. A 2019 review in Trusted Source suggested that recommended approaches to treatment include focusing on the social aspects of eating, encouraging small frequent meals, providing emotional support without forcing food, using appetite stimulants and promoting light exercise if possible. Prevention involves managing underlying chronic conditions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition.