Estimation of Cachexia among Cancer Patients Based on Four Definitions. (1st July 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fox, Kathleen M.; Brooks, John M.; Gandra, Shravanthi R.; Markus, Richard; Chiou, Chiun-Fang
• Other Names: Ball David Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of oncology. Volume 2009(2009)
• Publication Date: 2009-07-01
• Subjects: Oncology -- Research -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Neoplasms; Oncology -- Research; Tumors; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1155/2009/693458
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8450

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives . Estimate and compare the proportion of cancer patients with cachexia using different definitions from available clinical data. Methods . Electronic medical records were examined to estimate the proportion of cancer patients with cachexia using 4 definitions: (1) ICD-9 diagnostic code of 799.4 (cachexia), (2) ICD-9 diagnosis of cachexia, anorexia, abnormal weight loss, or feeding difficulties, (3) prescription for megestrol acetate, oxandrolone, somatropin, or dronabinol, and (4)≥ 5% weight loss. Patients with cancer of the stomach, pancreas, lung, colon/rectum, head/neck, esophagus, prostate, breast, or liver diagnosed between 1999 and 2004 were followed for cachexia. Results . Of 8541 cancer patients (60% men and 55% Caucasian), cachexia was observed in 2.4% of patients using the cachexia diagnostic code, 5.5% expanded diagnoses, 6.4% prescription medication definition, and 14.7% with≥ 5% weight loss. Conclusions . The proportion of patients with cachexia varied considerably depending upon the definition employed, indicating that a standard operational definition is needed.