Hypermetabolism

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Hypermetabolism is defined as an elevated

Fatal familial insomnia
can also present with hypermetabolism; however, this universally fatal disorder is exceedingly rare, with only a few known cases worldwide. The drastic impact of the hypermetabolic state on patient nutritional requirements is often understated or overlooked as well.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms may last for days, weeks, or months until the disorder is healed. The most apparent sign of hypermetabolism is an abnormally high intake of calories followed by continuous weight loss. Internal symptoms of hypermetabolism include: peripheral

triglycerides, and a negative nitrogen balance in the body.[2]
Outward symptoms of hypermetabolism may include:

Pathophysiology

During the

acute phase
. Hypermetabolism also causes expedited
metabolic
demands.

Diagnosis

Quantitation by indirect calorimetry, as opposed to the Harris-Benedict equation, is needed to accurately measure REE in cancer patients.[1]

Differential diagnosis

PET scan of hypermetabolic Astrocytoma
in the brain.

Many different illnesses can cause an increase in metabolic activity as the body combats illness and disease in order to heal itself. Hypermetabolism is a common symptom of various

pathologies
. Some of the most prevalent diseases characterized by hypermetabolism are listed below.

  • Hyperthyroidism: Manifestation: An overactive thyroid often causes a state of increased metabolic activity.[2]
  • Friedreich's ataxia: Manifestation: Local cerebral metabolic activity is increased extensively as the disease progresses.[3]
  • Fatal familial insomnia: Manifestation: Hypermetabolism in the thalamus occurs and disrupts sleep spindle formation that occurs there.[4]
  • thyroid hormone activates sympathetic pathways, causing the eyelids to retract and remain constantly elevated.[5]
  • eating disorders forces the body into starvation mode. Some patients recovering from these disorders experience hypermetabolism until they resume normal diets.[6]
  • lesions in the brain[7]

Treatment

Ibuprofen, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and beta-blockers have been reported in some preliminary studies to decrease REE, which may allow patients to meet their caloric needs and gain weight.[1]

References

  1. ^
    PMID 28090619
    .
  2. ^ a b "What is Hypermetabolism?". Wise Geek. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  3. ^ Gilman; et al. "Cerebral Glucose Hypermetabolism in Friedreich's Ataxia Detected with Positron Emission Tomography" (PDF). Annals of Neurology. American Neurological Association. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  4. ^ Cortelli, Pietro. "Pre-symptomatic diagnosis in fatal familial insomnia: serial neurophysiological and FDG-PET studies" (PDF). Brain. Oxford Journal. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 March 2014. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  5. ^ Trobe, M.D., Jonathan. "Graves' Disease: Proptosis, Lid Retraction, Strabismus, Optic Nerve Compression". The Eyes Have It. University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Archived from the original on 28 March 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  6. ^ "Re-Feeding". Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  7. PMID 11430342
    .