Exploring autonomic nervous system dysfunction in patients with cancer cachexia: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) have been associated with cachexia.


METHODS
In nine cancer patients who had lost weight and nine age-matched healthy volunteers heart rate variability (HRV) components were determined, together with serum cortisol and urinary catecholamines/metanephrines.


RESULTS
Compared to volunteers, patients exhibited a global reduction in HRV parameters, significantly so for high frequency, low frequency and total power (median values ms(2) 103 vs. 313, 62 vs. 148 and 316 vs. 736 respectively, P<0.05). Biochemical values did not differ.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest the presence of ANS dysfunction in patients with cancer cachexia, with reduction in both sympathetic and parasympathetic components.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Alpna
A
Chauhan
Ashika
A
Sequeria
Cathann
C
Manderson
Matthew
M
Maddocks
David
D
Wasley
Andrew
A
Wilcock
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002100:Cachexia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010865:Pilot Projects