Quantifying the impact of standardized assessment and symptom management tools on symptoms associated with cancer-induced anorexia cachexia syndrome

Palliat Med. 2009 Dec;23(8):680-8. doi: 10.1177/0269216309106980. Epub 2009 Oct 1.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of standardized assessment and management tools on patient symptom scores in cancer-induced anorexia cachexia syndrome (ACS) using a within-group study design. Baseline assessments included the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool and an amended Symptoms and Concerns Checklist (SCC). Symptom management strategies, written for this project, were instigated. Follow-up SCC scores were collected at 2 and 4 weeks. Forty out of 79 patients referred were recruited; 29/79 (36.7%) were too unwell or had died prior to consent. At baseline, the PG-SGA tool revealed 250 active symptoms associated with ACS. Total PG-SGA score was above 9 for all patients. Predominant interventions involved simple dietary advice and prescription of artificial saliva, mouthwash and prokinetic antiemetics. Median total SCC score improved sequentially from 11 at baseline, to 7 and 4 at first and second review, respectively (visit 1 to 2, p = 0.001; visit 1 to 3, p < 0.001; and visit 2 to 3, p = 0.02). We conclude that patients with ACS are recognised late in their disease and have a considerable burden of active symptoms. A structured approach to assessment and management has a significant impact on symptom burden.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anorexia / etiology
  • Anorexia / physiopathology
  • Attitude to Health
  • Cachexia / etiology
  • Cachexia / physiopathology*
  • Cachexia / therapy
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Nutritional Status
  • Palliative Care*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires / standards*
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Loss