[Chronic hiccups: diagnosis and treatment]. / Hoquet chronique : diagnostic et traitement.

Chronic hiccups, lasting more than 48 hours, are a medical condition that remains challenging in both diagnosis and treatment. They can be the sole symptom of a serious underlying disorder, and should therefore not be overlooked, although gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) constitutes their most prevalent cause. Chronic hiccups mandate a comprehensive etiological assessment. Treatment strategy may include physical, pharmacological and interventional approaches, as described in literature, particularly when direct causal treatment is unattainable.

Le hoquet chronique, de plus de 48 heures, est une entité dont la prise en charge est souvent méconnue. Il ne doit pas être négligé parce qu'il peut être le seul symptôme d'une maladie sous-jacente grave, même si le reflux gastro-œsophagien (RGO) en est la cause la plus fréquente. Face à un hoquet chronique, un bilan étiologique doit donc être effectué. Dans les cas où un traitement causal n'est pas envisageable, plusieurs possibilités de traitements physiques, médicamenteux et interventionnels sont décrites dans la littérature.

Healthcare Providers' Experiences with Hiccups in Patients with Cancer: Report of a United States National Survey.

Hiccups occur in 15-40% of cancer patients, but previous research has not sought the perspectives of cancer healthcare providers. The objective of this research is to report on United States cancer healthcare providers' awareness of their patients' hiccups and these healthcare providers' perceived need for further palliation options. A survey was developed and then distributed throughout the United States via email to cancer healthcare providers; results are reported descriptively. Six hundred eighty-four cancer healthcare providers completed 2 eligibility screening questions which required them to have cared for an adequate number of patients (> 10 in the past 6 months) with "clinically significant" hiccups (defined as hiccups that persisted for >48 hours or occurred from cancer or from cancer care). Of 113 eligible healthcare providers, 90 completed the survey. Healthcare providers described hiccups as associated with stress/anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems, and decreased work/school productivity. In 49% of patients, healthcare providers initially prescribed medications (commonly chlorpromazine or baclofen); 18% expressed dissatisfaction with current palliation. Proffered comments included, "When current therapies do not work, it can be very demoralizing to our patients; " and "…my biggest complaint is that current treatments also come with their own side effects which can be quite severe." Discordance appears to exist between the percentage of cancer patients with hiccups and the percentage of cancer healthcare providers with awareness of their patients' hiccups. Nonetheless, healthcare providers described notable hiccup-associated symptoms in their patients and a need for more palliative options.

[Hiccups, not always unremarkable]. / Les hoquets : pas toujours banals.

Hiccups are most often benign and of short duration. However, they may also be persistent (superior to 48h) or even refractory (superior to 1 month). In such cases, they markedly alter the quality of life and can lead to severe impairment of health. We here review hiccups pathophysiology, etiologies, work up and treatment. We suggest that hiccups should be considered as a non-epileptic myoclonic movement disorder.

Le hoquet est le plus souvent bénin et de courte durée, mais il peut aussi être persistant (sup�rieur a 48h), voire réfractaire (sup�rieur a 1 mois). Dans ces cas, il altère la qualité de vie et peut avoir des conséquences graves sur la santé. Nous en revoyons ici la physiopathologie, les étiologies, la mise au point diagnostique et les traitements. Nous concluons par une réflexion sur la nature du hoquet que nous considérons comme un mouvement anormal appartenant au groupe des myoclonies non épileptiques.

Intractable or persistent hiccups treated with extracranial acupuncture: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Hiccups are a common clinical symptom, and persistent hiccups and intractable hiccups severely impair the individual's quality of life. To date, there has been no effective treatment specifically for hiccups. Herein, we report 2 cases with intractable or persistent hiccups that were successfully treated with extracranial acupuncture. PATIENT CONCERNS: The first case is a 46-year-old woman who presented with a 7-year history of intractable hiccups that had worsened over the past 3 years. She also complained of chest tightness, dyspnea, palpitations, dreaminess, dysphoria, intolerance of cold, and hypohidrosis. The second case is a 75-year-old man who presented with a 7-day history of persistent hiccups and hematemesis for 3 hours. The patient's persistent hiccups were treated using traditional Chinese acupuncture, but the patient reported no remarkable benefit. DIAGNOSES: They were diagnosed as intractable or persistent hiccups. INTERVENTIONS: They were treated with extracranial acupuncture. OUTCOMES: The hiccups completely disappeared. During the follow-up period, the hiccups did not reappear. LESSONS: According to neural balance theory, an episode of the hiccups is caused by an imbalance of the nervous system. Extracranial acupuncture in the area adjacent to the external occipital protuberance affects the intracranial nervous system, which can effectively control the hiccups. Our study provides a new approach to the treatment of hiccups.

Case Report: From Irregular Hiccups to Acute Myocardial Infarction.

INTRODUCTION: The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the key player in the diagnosis of an acute coronary syndrome. In the light of normal ECG findings, the diagnosis can be missed. The high-sensitive troponin is a necessary laboratory value for patients with uncommon symptoms. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53-year-old man without a history of coronary heart disease initially presented to his general practitioner with persistent hiccups for 3 weeks. In the emergency department, the patient complained of nausea and burping. The high-sensitive troponin T was 989 pg/mL and led to the diagnosis of an acute coronary syndrome. CONCLUSION: The troponin algorithm helps to identify this patient group, especially in the setting of elevated creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. Awareness of these symptoms can help lead to a timely reperfusion therapy and thus improved outcomes. The 2015 European Society of Cardiology algorithm for troponin may not only help for the initial diagnosis, but rather should be regarded as crucial.

Acute proximal left anterior descending thrombosis manifested by persistent hiccups: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Hiccup is usually a benign and self-limited phenomenon. Therefore, if hiccups do not resolve by themselves and even last for a long time, it may be the marker of serious medical conditions. PATIENT CONCERNS: We encountered a case presenting with recurrent abdominal discomfort. Diffuse ST-segment elevation in V2-V6 and elevated Troponin I was identified. He had complained about constipation and incomplete intestinal obstruction was ever suspected. Four days later, he exhibited persistent hiccups. DIAGNOSIS: He was diagnosed with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction. And elective coronary angiography showed that proximal left anterior descending (LAD) was occluded by fresh thrombus with TIMI 1 flow. INTERVENTIONS: The lesion in proximal LAD was dilated with low pressure. Interestingly, the hiccups reduced. And after stent implantation the hiccup disappeared in 24 hours. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged in good general condition, with maintenance therapy and a follow-up protocol. CONCLUSION: Hiccup is only rarely described in the context of acute proximal LAD thrombosis. However, if this special symptom occurs intractably during disease progression, thrombus is revealed to be the probable cause, prompt opening of the criminal vessel should be performed besides strengthening of anticoagulant and antiplatelet.

Myocardial Ischemia Presenting with Hiccups.

Myocardial infarction/ischemia can be an underlying etiology and a major causative risk factor of cardiovascular hiccups. The objective of this systematic review was to review the literature regarding clinical features and treatments of hiccups of cardiac ischemia origin. PRISMA guidelines were followed. In elderly patients with hiccups of uncertain causes, electrocardiography is necessary to ensure the cardiogenic etiology. Both symptomatic and etiologic treatments can be effective in terminating hiccups. Of the therapeutic regimens, gabapentin is a second-line agent alternative to baclofen in treating hiccups. It is especially helpful in patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation or palliative care when chlorpromazine is prohibited due to its adverse effects. Inferior myocardial infarction is the most common cause of hiccups in this patient setting. In addition to anti-myocardial ischemia agents and percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting could be an alternative to hiccups in such patients.

Persistent Severe Hiccups After Dexamethasone Intravenous Administration.

BACKGROUND Hiccups induced by steroids administration is not common. Although it is not life-threatening and is always recognized as a transient and minor complication, it can be severely uncomfortable and significantly diminished patient quality of life. In this case report, persistent hiccups were observed in 2 middle-aged Thai men receiving low-dose intravenous dexamethasone. This case report highlights the awareness of severe dexamethasone-induced hiccups. CASE REPORT A 49-year-old man and a 38-year-old man were admitted to our hospital and received IV dexamethasone. The hiccups started after each patient received a single dose of dexamethasone. The frequency and severity of their hiccups increased over time during dexamethasone treatment. Hiccups still continued to occur despite the discontinuation of dexamethasone and lasted for 72 h after drug termination. CONCLUSIONS Dexamethasone can cause persistent hiccups. Although hiccups are not life-threatening, it should not be neglected since it can be severely uncomfortable and significantly diminish patient quality of life. Termination of dexamethasone can gradually relieve hiccups. Dexamethasone should be used cautiously and clinicians must be aware of this undesirable effect.

Sarcoidosis of the medulla oblongata causing intractable hiccoughs and numbness of extremities: A case report.

RATIONALE: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder characterized by noncaseating granulomas. The nervous system is involved in 5 to 16% of the patients. However, neurosarcoidosis in the medulla oblongata presenting as hiccough is remarkably rare. PATIENT CONCERN: A 55-year-old female was admitted to our hospital suffering from intractable hiccough and progressive numbness of extremities. DIAGNOSIS: The MR imaging revealed a circumscribed mass lesion located on the medulla oblongata. The mass was hyperintense on T2-weighted images and enhanced homogeneously with gadolinium-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a moderately elevated protein content and a significant lymphocytosis 86.5%. Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed complete atrioventricular block. Bilateral supraclavicular, hilar, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy was diagnosed in a CT scan. Transbranchial needle aspiration biopsy revealed noncaseating granuloma consisting of epithelioid cells, lymphocytes, and rare multinucleated giant cells which was consistent with sarcoidosis. The diagnosis of multisystemic sarcoidosis was made. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The patient underwent a permanent pacemaker insertion, and was successfully treated with corticosteroids. LESSONS: It is important to consider neurosarcoidosis in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary lesion, since a right recognition may lead to appropriate treatment with steroids and avoid needlessly extensive surgery.

Rare clinical manifestation of community-acquired pneumonia.

A 71-year-old patient was admitted due to fever and persistent (>48 hours) hiccups. History and physical examination were not instructive. Lab tests were not specific, showing an inflammatory response. Chest film did not demonstrate opacities. The patient was treated with chlorpromazine with no relief. Fever and hiccups persisted, and therefore neck and chest CT was performed revealing a right lower lobe infiltrate, a finding consistent with pneumonia. Antibiotics were initiated and within 48 hours fever and hiccups resolved and patient recovered. Although hiccups are rarely described as a clinical manifestation of community acquired pneumonia, one should consider this diagnosis in a patient with unexplained fever.

Intractable Hiccups.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hiccups are a common problem that crosses multiple disciplines including neurology, gastroenterology and pulmonology, and primary care. There are no formal guidelines to the treatment of intractable hiccups and treatment is based on experience and anecdotal evidence often relying on older medications. We have reviewed the relevant literature with an emphasis on the last five years or so in management of intractable hiccups. RECENT FINDINGS: The production of hiccups is a complex mechanism which involves multiple neurotransmitters and anatomical structure within the central and peripheral nervous system. A number of medications and other therapy have been reported successful for intractable hiccups. Intractable hiccups can occur more often than we realize and present to multiple medical disciplines. A number of pharmacologic option have been found to be useful including dopamine-blocking medication, baclofen, and gabapentin along with anticonvulsants.

Continuous cervical epidural block: Treatment for intractable hiccups.

Intractable hiccups, although rare, may result in severe morbidity, including sleep deprivation, poor food intake, respiratory muscle fatigue, aspiration pneumonia, and death. Despite these potentially fatal complications, the etiology of intractable hiccups and definitive treatment are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous cervical epidural block in the treatment of intractable hiccups.Records from 28 patients with a history of unsuccessful medical and invasive treatments for hiccups were evaluated. Continuous cervical epidural block was performed with a midline approach at the C7-T1 or T1-T2 intervertebral space with the patient in the prone position. The epidural catheter was advanced through the needle in a cephalad direction to the C3-C5 level. Catheter placement was confirmed using contrast radiography. A 6-mL bolus of 0.25% ropivacaine was injected, and a continuous infusion of 4 mL/h of ropivacaine was administered through the epidural catheter using an infuser containing 0.75% ropivacaine (45 mL ropivacaine and 230 mL normal saline). When the hiccups stopped and did not recur for 48 hours, the catheter was removed.Cumulative complete remission rates were 60.71% after the first cervical epidural block, 92.86% after the second, and 100% after the third. One patient complained of dizziness that subsided. No other adverse effects were reported.Continuous C3-C5 level cervical epidural block has a successful remission rate. We suggest that continuous cervical epidural block is an effective treatment for intractable hiccups.

Treatment of resistant idiopathic hiccups with pulse radio frequency on phrenic nerve and gabapentin: A case report.

Hiccups affect life quality, career and family life when they become persistent. We present here a 54-year-old man who worked as a mason and a blacksmith with hiccups complaint for nearly one and a half years. In this period, he was admitted to emergency service ten times with fainting or almost fainting, cold sweating and hand stretching complaints. The patient expressed that he frequently threw up when he had hiccups and his social life was negatively affected. He reported that he was treated with baclofen, esomeprazole and hyoscine-n-butyl bromur without relief. He used escitalopram and chlorpromazine for a short time and quit because they negatively affected his sleeping. As he did not have any relief from medications, he refused any oral medical therapy including gabapentin and started to seek remedy from paramedical treatments resulted with no benefit. The patient was referred to algology department and an intervention on phrenic nerve with pulse radio frequency (8 minutes, 45 Volts, 20 milliseconds wavelength) was performed. Symptoms stopped immediately after the procedure but one week later, although the patient reported a significant decline in symptoms he still had hiccups. The patient was offered oral medical therapy again. With considerable relief from symptoms, the patient accepted oral therapy this time. Gabapentin 300 mg bid was prescribed. The symptoms were completely recovered and the patient reported no hiccups after 30 days of Gabapentin administration. Our case suggests that administration of gabapentin after pulsed radiofrequency might be effective for the treatment of persistent hiccups.

Chronic Hiccups: An Underestimated Problem.

Persistent singultus, hiccupping that lasts for longer than 48 hours, can have a tremendous impact on a patient's quality of life. Although involved neurologic structures have been identified, the function of hiccups remains unclear-they have been controversially interpreted as a primitive reflex preventing extent swallowing of amniotic fluid in utero, an archaic gill ventilation pattern, or a fetus' preparation for independent breathing. Persistent singultus often presents as a symptom for various diseases, most commonly illnesses of the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract; they can also be evoked by a variety of pharmacological agents. It is often impossible to define a singular cause. A wide range of treatment attempts, pharmacological and nonpharmacological, have been concerted to this date; however, chlorpromazine remains the only Food and Drug Administration-approved drug in this context. Large-scale studies on efficacy and tolerance of other therapeutic strategies are lacking. Gabapentin, baclofen, and metoclopramide have been reported to accomplish promising results in reports on the therapy of persistent singultus; they may also be effective when given in combination with other drugs, eg, proton pump inhibitors, or as conjoined therapy. As another approach of note, acupuncture treatment was able to abolish hiccups in a number of studies. When managing hiccup patients within the clinical routine, it is of importance to conduct a comprehensive and effective diagnostic workup; a well-functioning interdisciplinary team is needed to address possible causes for the symptom. Persistent singultus is a medical problem not to be underestimated; more research on options for effective treatment would be greatly needed.

Hiccups. Attitude in Otorhinolaryngology Towards Consulting Patients. A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach. / Hipo. Actitud en otorrinolaringología en pacientes que consultan. Aproximación diagnóstica y terapéutica.

INTRODUCTION: Hiccup crises are generally benign and self-limiting, but longer episodes affect quality of life and must be treated. There are recognisable causes that otorhinolaryngologists must know and be aware for diagnosis and therapeutic alternatives. The main expression is a spasmodic glottic noise with characteristic neck alterations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study from 1979 with patients suffering persistent or recurrent hiccups. Chronobiology, comorbidity, findings from explorations, therapies and outcomes were noted. Thirty-seven patients were studied (mean age, 45.5±13.5 years; 30 males), with persistent hiccups in 23 (62%). RESULTS: A potential associated aetiology was observed in 24 cases (65%): oesophageal disorders -mainly gastroesophageal reflux- were detected in 14 cases and concomitant oncological disease was found in 8. Only 3 cases were admitted for surgery due to these findings. Therapeutic strategies with metoclopramide were used in 18 subjects, chlorpromazine in 17 and baclofen in 13, while carbamazepine or haloperidol were used in a minority. Phrenic nerve stimulation was employed in 6 patients. Hiccups disappeared in 32 cases. Out of 22 cases for which follow-up was possible, the hiccups recurred in 5 subjects (the subjects requiring new therapies) and 11 patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic hiccup represents a multidisciplinary challenge that includes potential head and neck affection, a diagnostic schedule for ruling out causes, frequent base oesophageal alterations and high incidence of malignant neoplasm. Prokinetic and neuroleptic agents with antidopaminergic and anticholinergic effects are the pillars of its treatment.