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Cachexia
Complex metabolic syndrome of unintentional weight loss with predominant muscle loss driven by an underlying chronic disease, characterized by anorexia, inflammation, insulin resistance, and increased protein breakdown.
Also: Cancer Cachexia
Cancer cachexia (Fearon et al., 2011 international consensus) is staged precachexia / cachexia / refractory cachexia. Unlike simple starvation, cachexia is partially refractory to nutritional support because of cytokine-driven (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1) muscle proteolysis and lipolysis. CT-derived skeletal muscle area at the L3 vertebra is the standard quantitative marker. Multimodal therapy combines nutrition, exercise, and anti-inflammatory or anabolic agents.
How each textbook covers it
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 36
Cachexia is distinct from simple starvation because it cannot be fully reversed by nutritional support alone. Drivers include pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6), anorexia, and altered metabolism. Common in advanced cancer, heart failure (cardiac cachexia), COPD (pulmonary cachexia), and end-stage renal disease. Intervention combines nutrition, anti-inflammatory therapy, exercise, and treatment of the underlying disease.
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 102: Cancer Cachexia
Cancer cachexia (Fearon et al., 2011 international consensus) is staged precachexia / cachexia / refractory cachexia. Unlike simple starvation, cachexia is partially refractory to nutritional support because of cytokine-driven (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1) muscle proteolysis and lipolysis. CT-derived skeletal muscle area at the L3 vertebra is the standard quantitative marker. Multimodal therapy combines nutrition, exercise, and anti-inflammatory or anabolic agents.
Related terms
GLIM criteria, IL-6, Inflammation, Malnutrition, Sarcopenia, TNF-alpha