Rheumatoid cachexia can be defined as an involuntary loss of body cell mass, which predominates in skeletal muscle, but is also observed in the viscera and immune system. It occurs with little or no weight loss in the presence of stable or increased fat mass. The etiology is likely multifactorial, and involves excessive inflammatory cytokine production, namely excess tumor necrosis factor-± and interleukin-1² production, reduced peripheral insulin action, and low habitual physical activity. Cachexia occurs in active rheumatoid arthritis and even in the presence of disease control. In this article, we discuss the pathogenesis of rheumatoid cachexia, its clinical implications and potential therapies.
body composition; cachexia; rheumatoid arthritis; sarcopenia
