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.
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