Hypermetabolism in motor neurone disease is associated with a greater functional decline but not weight loss

Conclusions We confirm a greater prevalence of hypermetabolism in MND when compared with matched controls. Hypermetabolism in MND patients is associated with a greater functional decline but not a change in RFTs or weight loss. While challenging the notions that hypermetabolism is a consequence of respiratory dysfunction and that it contributes to weight loss, our emerging insights suggest that hypermetabolism contributes to disease progression. Thus, hypermetabolism could have major implications for quality of life and possibly disease survival. Ongoing studies aim to clarify the cause for and consequence of hypermetabolism in MND.
Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry - Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Tags: Abstracts Source Type: research