Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is defined as unexplained or unintentional weight loss?
What is defined as unexplained or unintentional weight loss?
Weight loss of at least 5% of the patient’s usual body weight that occurs within the preceding 6 to 12 months, not expected from treatment of a known illness.
What is the prevalence of unexplained weight loss in individuals over 65?
What is the prevalence of unexplained weight loss in individuals over 65?
Chronic alcohol abuse is a potential cause of unexplained weight loss.
Chronic alcohol abuse is a potential cause of unexplained weight loss.
True
What are some associated symptoms of unexplained weight loss?
What are some associated symptoms of unexplained weight loss?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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The common drugs implicated in unexplained weight loss include _____ and _____ medications.
The common drugs implicated in unexplained weight loss include _____ and _____ medications.
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What is emphasized in the approach to weight loss assessment?
What is emphasized in the approach to weight loss assessment?
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Which of the following are considered functional factors contributing to unexplained weight loss? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are considered functional factors contributing to unexplained weight loss? (Select all that apply)
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Eating in company is not useful for patients dealing with unexplained weight loss.
Eating in company is not useful for patients dealing with unexplained weight loss.
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What should be monitored during follow-up for unexplained weight loss?
What should be monitored during follow-up for unexplained weight loss?
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Study Notes
Unexplained Weight Loss Overview
- Defined as a loss of at least 5% of usual body weight occurring within 6 to 12 months, unrelated to treatment for known illnesses.
Related Terms
- Cachexia: Weight loss characterized by loss of muscle mass due to underlying illness, with or without fat loss.
- Sarcopenia: Geriatric syndrome involving loss of muscle mass, strength, and performance, distinct from unintentional weight loss.
- Malnutrition: Imbalance in energy and nutrient intake, which may result in deficiency or excess.
Epidemiology
- Prevalence ranges from 7% to 13% in the general population, 15-20% in those over 65.
- Effects in elderly: 27% in community dwellers, 50-60% in nursing home residents.
Etiology
- Decreased Intake: Psychological conditions like depression or eating disorders, dementia, and side effects of medications.
- Malabsorption: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, pancreatic insufficiency, cholestatic liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Increased Energy Expenditure: Hyperthyroidism, chronic infections, heart failure, and adrenal insufficiency.
Evaluation and Assessment
- Initial evaluation includes detailed history, comprehensive clinical examination, and baseline investigations.
- Documentation of weight loss patterns, including duration, appetite changes, and physical activity.
- Screening for malnutrition using validated tools like MUST and ESPEN.
Associated Symptoms
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
- Malignancy: Recurrent infections, fatigue, loss of appetite.
- Psychological: Insomnia, guilt, concentration issues, suicidal thoughts.
Functional and Social Factors
- Assess poor dentition, cognitive abilities, and social support systems affecting food intake.
- Consider travel history and sexual history to evaluate risks for infectious causes.
Physical Examination
- Features to note include abnormal general appearance, neurological deficits, signs of malnutrition, and signs related to chronic conditions.
Investigations
- Blood tests: Complete blood count, glucose, liver and renal function tests, thyroid function tests, inflammatory markers, and viral screens.
- Urine/stool tests: Dipstick analysis, culture, and fecal occult blood test.
- Imaging: Chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Management
- Non-Pharmacological: Optimize food intake with dietician guidance, encourage balanced diets, ensure social eating scenarios, and promote physical activity.
- Pharmacological: Treat underlying causes with appropriate medications ensuring safety and monitoring for risks.
Complications
- Possible complications include increased mortality risk from certain pharmacological agents and deterioration due to unresolved underlying conditions.
Conclusion
- Rising incidence of unexplained weight loss necessitates proactive identification of causes and timely management interventions.
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Description
A group project on unexplained weight loss, presented by Group D2, covering various aspects of the topic.
