Protocolo diagnóstico y tratamiento del síndrome constitucional en los pacientes mayores

The constitutional syndrome supposes the association of asthenia, anorexia and significant weight loss (defined as an involuntary decrease of 5% of total body weight in 6 months). Its etiology can be multiple and variable in the older people, so a comprehensive assessment (clinical history, physical examination, and complementary tests) is required in order to do the etiological orientation of the clinical syndrome. This clinical problem can be a common chief complaint in clinical practice among older people, and sometimes to suppose a challenge diagnostic. When the cause of the constitutional syndrome is not found, it is necessary to reevaluate the patient in a period of 1 to 6 months. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to get better diagnostic results, especially in cases where weight loss has not an easy objective organic cause.