EAL

Intervention
Is there a relationship between a patient's intake of an HMB/arginine/glutamine-containing nutritional supplement and the reduction of symptoms associated with cancer cachexia?
- Conclusion
  
  One (1) small, double-blinded RCT (+ quality) found that HMB/arginine/glutamine-containing nutritional supplement taken for 4 weeks improved caloric intake, promoted weight gain and FFM, and improved serum levels of prealbumin, sodium, BUN, uric acid and phosphorus. This study was limited by >20% drop out due to disease progression/death in study participants as a result of their Stage IV cancer. Further studies are needed.
- Grade: III
  - Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
  - Grade II is Fair;
  - Grade III is Limited/Weak;
  - Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
  - Grade V is Not Assignable.
  - High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
  - Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
  - Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
  - Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
  - Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
- Search Plan and Results: Combined Immune Enhancing Nutrients and Symptoms/Complications 2005