Wallengren et al studied the impact of cancer cachexia on the quality of life of a palliative care patient. Certain features can help to identify a patient who may benefit from interventions to improve quality of life. The authors are from Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Patient selection: palliative care patient with cancer
Predictors of a worse quality of life:
(1) weight loss > 2% (based on habitual weight prior to onset of cancer)
(2) body mass index (BMI) < 20 kg per square meter
(3) serum CRP > 10 mg/L
(4) fatigue > 3 on a 10 cm VAS scale
Predictors of short walking distance:
(1) fatigue > 3 on a 10 cm VAS scale
(2) low grip strength (lowest tertile)
(3) ESR > 20 mm in first hour
(4) CRP > 10 mg/L
(5) serum albumin < 35 g/L
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
