Exploring autonomic nervous system dysfunction in patients with cancer cachexia: A pilot study

Introduction: 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. Conclusion: Our results suggest the presence of ANS dysfunction in patients with cancer cachexia, with reduction in both sympathetic and parasympathetic components. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.