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Weight loss - Revision history
2026-04-18T16:01:31Z
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Danbot: Create chief complaint page for unintentional weight loss
2026-03-22T09:42:46Z
<p>Create chief complaint page for unintentional weight loss</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>Unintentional weight loss is defined as loss of >5% body weight over 6-12 months without trying. In the ED, it is typically a secondary concern raising suspicion for serious underlying pathology.<br />
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==Differential Diagnosis==<br />
===Malignancy===<br />
*GI cancers (colon, pancreatic, gastric)<br />
*Lung cancer<br />
*Lymphoma<br />
*Any advanced malignancy<br />
<br />
===GI===<br />
*[[Peptic ulcer disease]]<br />
*[[Inflammatory bowel disease]]<br />
*Celiac disease<br />
*Malabsorption<br />
*[[Chronic pancreatitis]]<br />
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===Endocrine===<br />
*[[Hyperthyroidism]]<br />
*[[Diabetes mellitus]] (uncontrolled)<br />
*Adrenal insufficiency<br />
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===Infectious===<br />
*[[HIV]]<br />
*[[Tuberculosis]]<br />
*Chronic infection<br />
*Parasitic infection<br />
<br />
===Psychiatric===<br />
*[[Depression]]<br />
*Eating disorders<br />
*Substance use<br />
<br />
===Other===<br />
*Heart failure<br />
*COPD<br />
*Renal failure<br />
*Medication side effects<br />
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==Evaluation==<br />
*Focused history: timeline, diet changes, associated symptoms (night sweats, fever, GI symptoms)<br />
*Physical exam: lymphadenopathy, thyroid, abdominal masses, oral lesions<br />
*Basic labs: CBC, BMP, LFTs, TSH, glucose, ESR/CRP, urinalysis<br />
*Consider: HIV test, CXR, age-appropriate cancer screening<br />
*CT abdomen/pelvis if red flags (palpable mass, severe symptoms, elderly)<br />
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==Management==<br />
*ED role is primarily to evaluate for acute dangerous causes<br />
*Treat identified acute conditions<br />
*Outpatient workup appropriate for most stable patients<br />
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==Disposition==<br />
*Admit if acutely ill, severely malnourished, or dangerous etiology identified<br />
*Discharge with urgent PCP follow-up for stable patients with unexplained weight loss<br />
*Ensure cancer screening is up to date<br />
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==See Also==<br />
*[[Acute fever]]<br />
*[[Fatigue]]<br />
*[[Hyperthyroidism]]<br />
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==References==<br />
<references/><br />
<br />
[[Category:Symptoms]]<br />
[[Category:Misc/General]]</div>
Danbot