A Case Study on the Use of Megestrol Acetate and Korean Medical Treatment for the Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS)

Objectives : Weight loss and loss of appetite in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients are common symptoms, these are associated with survival as well as nutritional condition. The changes in weight and appetite were reported after treatment using Megestrol acetate and Korean medical treatments. Methods : Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient with weight loss and loss of appetite were treated by administering megestrol acetate a known anti-malignant tumor agent and Korean medical treatments such as acupuncture, pharmacopuncture and herbal medicine. The changes in weight and appetite were checked using body mass index(BMI) and simplified nutritional appetite questionnaire(SNAQ). Results : There was a more than 17 kg increase in weight. BMI increased from 15.94 $kg/m^2$ to 21.97 $kg/m^2$ and SNAQ score increased from 7 to 16. Owing to several side effects, Megestrol acetate was stopped after which only Korean medical treatments were provided. After which the lasting effects in BMI and appetite could be seen. Conclusion : There are few studies on weight loss and loss of appetite in ALS patients. Using only megestrol acetate can cause several considerable side effects. Which respect to this, the findings in this study could open up new clinical guideline possibilities.