Name of the Condition

• Cachexia
• Also known as "wasting syndrome."

Summary

• Cachexia is a complex syndrome characterized by severe weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and significant loss of appetite in individuals not actively trying to lose weight.

Causes

• Commonly associated with chronic diseases such as cancer, chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Possibly related to metabolic changes and inflammation.

Risk Factors

• Having a chronic or terminal illness.
• Conditions that cause long-term inflammation or metabolic disruptions.
• Elderly age group as they are more prone to chronic conditions.

Symptoms

• Noticeable weight loss despite adequate intake of food.
• Muscle wasting and reduction in lean body mass.
• Extreme fatigue and weakness.
• Loss of appetite or anorexia.

Diagnosis

• Clinical evaluation that includes medical history and physical examination.
• Assessment of body weight, muscle strength, and fat-free mass.
• Blood tests to rule out other potential causes of weight loss.

Treatment Options

• Nutritional Support: High-calorie, high-protein diets to help maintain weight.
• Medications: Appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anabolic agents to improve muscle mass and appetite.
• Physical Therapy: Exercise programs designed to help maintain muscle mass and strength.
• Treatments targeting the underlying disease causing cachexia.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis depends on the underlying condition and its progression.
• Regular monitoring of weight, nutritional intake, and muscle strength.
• Close medical follow-up to adjust treatment plans as needed.

Complications

• Severe malnutrition and its systemic effects.
• Increased vulnerability to infections.
• Impaired ability to tolerate medical treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• While specific lifestyle changes may not prevent cachexia, maintaining good nutritional habits and regular exercise can support muscle health.
• Early intervention in underlying conditions may mitigate the progression of cachexia.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Significant or unintentional weight loss.
• Persistent fatigue or weakness.
• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating.

Additional Resources

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• American Cancer Society
• Support groups for patients and families dealing with chronic illnesses.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accuracy by confirming the presence of both weight loss and muscle wasting before coding.
• Avoid common errors such as confusing cachexia with anorexia or other nutritional disorders.
• Use the correct ICD code (R64) for documentation and billing purposes.