| Title | Exploring autonomic nervous system dysfunction in patients with cancer cachexia: a pilot study. | ||
| Author | Chauhan, Alpna; Sequeria, Ashika; Manderson, Cathann; Maddocks, Matthew; Wasley, David; Wilcock, Andrew | ||
| Journal | Auton Neurosci | Publication Year/Month | 2012-Jan |
| PMID | 22014539 | PMCID | -N/A- |
| Affiliation | 1.Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom. | ||
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.