Anorexia: um Desafio Alimentar em Cuidados Paliativos

Heloisa Helena Scapulatempo,Ana Paula Menezes Bragança dos Santos,Ernani Costa Mendes,Mônica Oliveira Benarroz

doi:10.32635/2176-9745.rbc.2019v65n2.98

Heloisa Helena Scapulatempo, Ana Paula Menezes Bragança dos Santos

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.32635/2176-9745.rbc.2019v65n2.98

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Abstract

Anorexia is a symptom characterized by partial or total reduction of appetite leading to weight loss and nutritional deficiency. It can be triggered by several metabolic and immune disorders. Feeding an advanced cancer patient is a challenge due to various physiological, psychological and social factors that can be an impediment to proper protein and caloric intake. Palliative care consists of a set of practical assistance measures for advanced cancer patients who require special care for addressing serious, chronic, degenerative, progressive, and life-threatening illnesses. Focusing on the conviction that nutritional intervention can significantly improve an advanced cancer patient's quality of life in palliative care, this article addresses the importance of debate on eating challenges in anorexia as well as highlights the dietitian’s role in multidisciplinary team.

Highlights

Anorexia is a common and complex symptom in patients with advanced cancer, characterized by partial or total decrease of food intake or desire to eat
The relationship between cancer anorexia and poor prognosis and survival is factual due to weight loss that impairs the immune system, muscle mass with loss of strength and balance that may be associated with cachexia syndrome[2,4,5]
Despite the relevance of the issue, it is surprising that palliative patients are neglected by the healthcare providers, and that a gap in the literature exists on nutritional intervention to prevent or mitigate anorexia

Summary

Introduction

Anorexia is a common and complex symptom in patients with advanced cancer, characterized by partial or total decrease of food intake or desire to eat. According to the World Health Organization, one of the pillars for palliative care is the quality of life of patients with chronic, evolutionary and even terminal diseases, including cancer. Despite the relevance of the issue, it is surprising that palliative patients are neglected by the healthcare providers, and that a gap in the literature exists on nutritional intervention to prevent or mitigate anorexia.

Results

Conclusion