The Greeks named it cachexia, meaning "bad condition." And those that suffer from wasting syndrome's scary side effects—unexplained weight loss, muscle atrophy, decrease in appetite, anemia and inflammation—are still without treatment. Here's how to tell if you or someone you know might have this affliction.
What Is Wasting Syndrome?
Cachexia, also called "wasting syndrome," is a metabolic disorder that causes muscles to deteriorate. It's spurred by a pre-existing condition or disease that causes the patient's immune system to activate and become catabolic to the body, essentially turning on itself and eating the body away. Such conditions include serious illnesses like cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiac diseases, infectious diseases (like HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis) and diabetes.
And cachexia, though not fully understood, is also not uncommon. The syndrome affects many patients with late-stage illnesses, including 5-15% of people with chronic heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and as many as 60–80% of people with advanced cancers, according to the Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWS).
"Tom Hanks in Philadelphia is a very good representation of cachexia," says Dr Stefan D. Anker. In the 1993 film, Hanks' character becomes weak, frail, and gaunt due to severe HIV/AIDS. "These are all hallmark symptoms of someone suffering from cachexia," says Anker.
Depending on the underlying medical condition, cachexia—a secondary syndrome—causes rapid weight loss in short periods of time. Medical diagnosis of cachexia is defined as a weight loss greater than 5% of body weight in 12 months or less in the presence of chronic illness, says the SCWS.
How It Affects The Body
"Cachexia is produced by immune system cells secreting increased levels of substances called cytokines," says Dr Kenneth Gruber. "Cytokines act on the brain to produce the elevated metabolism and decreased appetite."
Under stress, the cells become inflamed, and the body starts to attack its protein, muscle, and fat tissue. "Loss of skeletal muscle is the most obvious symptom of cachexia," says Gruber.
However, it's not the muscle loss that leads cachexia to become fatal.
"Cachexia causes multi-organ failure," Gruber explains. "Think of elevating metabolism in the cells of your body as the equivalent of (constantly) running your car engine at high RPMs—it eventually leads to engine failure."
It's a serious condition for those suffering from already dangerous diseases. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, found that "cachexia increases mortality in chronic disease and is present in about 30% of patients that die."
Cancer patients have the highest percentage of deaths: One-third will die from the effects of cachexia, according to the National Cancer Institute.
How To Treat It
A pharmacological cure does not exist for cachexia yet, but research is ongoing and in high-demand worldwide.
A recent study on mice found that compounds in oregano and thyme helped promote an increase in muscle mass by inducing calcium cycling—similar to when we exercise and move our muscles.
"These compounds can theoretically benefit this condition," says Dr Rajan Sah. So they're being pursued as an over-the-counter treatment to combat cachexia.
Gruber and his research team are also animal testing a promising drug treatment that works to block the side effects of the increased levels of cytokines caused by wasting syndrome. The drug works by creating a protective barrier in the brain that prevents overstimulation of the melanocortin system, which is responsible for metabolism regulation.
But lifestyle changes, including improved nutrition and targeted exercises, are also important for cachexia patients.
They should be "increasing caloric intake, in particular high quality protein, and resistance exercises," says Dr Simon Wing. Cachexia patients are also encouraged to eat foods rich in amino acids, which support muscle growth and production.
"Increasing caloric intake does not truly reverse the cachexia," says Gruber. However, it can help combat further degradation and give the body energy rather than deplete it.
The Good News
As scary as wasting syndrome sounds, it can be prevented by early detection and treatment of the chronic conditions that cause it. Consider this just another important reason to maintain regular checkups with your doctors.
"Diseases are more effectively treated by early detection," stresses Gruber. Stay up-to-date on your immunisation schedule, and remember to get regular screenings for chronic illnesses.
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