ALB and anemia (phenotype): Our group was divided into cachectic and non-cachectic subjects, according to the criteria proposed by Evans WJ et al. These criteria include laboratory, clinical and functional parameters like: weight loss of at least 5% or more in 12months or less in the presence of underlying illness, plus three of the following criteria: decreased muscle strength, fatigue, anorexia, low fat-free mass index, abnormal biochemistry (increased level of inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein >5.0 mg/L), IL-6 >4.0 pg/mL), anaemia (<12 g/dL) and low concentration of serum albumin (<3.2 g/dL).