Clinical and electroencephalographic correlates of carbamazepine-associated hiccups in epileptic patients.

Carbamazepine, a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is known to induce hiccups in a subset of epileptic patients. Although relatively uncommon, can have significant clinical implications. This comprehensive review delves into the clinical and electroencephalographic correlates of carbamazepine-associated hiccups, aiming to enhance understanding and management of this neurological side effect. The authors' review synthesizes qualitative epidemiological data, revealing that carbamazepine-induced hiccups occur in a subset of patients receiving the medication, with reported incidence rates ranging from 2.5 to 40%. Despite its relatively low prevalence, hiccups pose substantial challenges for patients and healthcare providers. Complications associated with carbamazepine-induced hiccups include disruption of sleep, impaired social functioning, and decreased quality of life, underscoring the clinical significance of this side effect. Effective management strategies can be implemented through a multidisciplinary approach, including collaboration among neurologists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. These may include dose adjustments, medication discontinuation, and adjunctive therapies such as diaphragmatic breathing exercises or acupuncture. Additionally, close monitoring for adverse effects and timely intervention are essential to mitigate the impact of hiccups on patient well-being. Essentially, carbamazepine-induced hiccups represent a clinically relevant phenomenon that warrants attention in the management of epilepsy. By recognizing the clinical manifestations, understanding the underlying pathophysiology, and implementing evidence-based management strategies, healthcare providers can optimize patient care and improve outcomes in this patient population.

Intractable Hiccups in a Patient With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Five-Month Ordeal Resolved Through Hemodialysis.

Hiccups, a common and usually self-limiting condition, are caused by involuntary, spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, followed by the sudden closure of the glottis. While most cases resolve spontaneously, persistent hiccups (lasting 48 hours to one month) and intractable hiccups (lasting more than one month) require medical attention. Intractable hiccups, although rare, can significantly impair a patient's quality of life. The etiology of intractable hiccups is diverse, but they are often associated with serious underlying medical conditions, such as severe renal dysfunction and uremia. We present the case of a 72-year-old male patient with stage IV chronic kidney disease (CKD) who developed intractable, violent hiccups following a mild COVID-19 infection. Despite treatment attempts with chlorpromazine and baclofen, the hiccups persisted for five months and only resolved after the initiation of hemodialysis. Interestingly, the patient's renal function deteriorated significantly during the period of hiccup persistence, suggesting a possible link between the hiccups and the progression of CKD, likely exacerbated by COVID-19. This case highlights the challenges of managing intractable hiccups in patients with advanced CKD and emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying metabolic derangements in such complex clinical scenarios. Moreover, it contributes to the growing evidence supporting the role of dialysis in resolving intractable hiccups associated with severe renal dysfunction.

Efficacy of Switching From Oral to Intravenous Administration for Dexamethasone-Induced Hiccups in CyberKnife Radiotherapy: A Case Report.

Steroids are commonly used for medical purposes. While hiccups are a recognized side effect of steroid therapy, we have not found any reports of hiccups interfering with the progress of radiotherapy. A case of dexamethasone (DEX)-induced hiccups (DIH) during CyberKnife radiotherapy (CKR) is presented. A 42-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type I had a history of malignant peripheral schwannomas originating in the right femur. We started to perform CKR with oral DEX at an increased dose of 4 mg/day for the recurrence of cranial metastasis and primary lesions. Severe hiccups developed four days after the increased DEX dose. DEX was stopped six days after CKR initiation, and the hiccups subsided over the next four days. However, the CKR procedure was not possible due to the patient's worsening swelling of the head and thigh lesions, which prevented the proper fit of the mesh face mask and body fixation device. Intravenous (IV) DEX 6.6 mg/day was initiated, which allowed the resumption of CKR due to reduced swelling of the lesions. The CKR was completed due to the absence of hiccups following the transition to IV DEX. DIH could occur even at a dosage of 4 mg/day when taken orally. Our case suggests the significance of recognizing DIH during radiotherapy. Switching the administration from oral to IV DEX may be an option for dealing with DIH.

[Gastric vs. supragastric belching, singultus, aerophagia, and differential diagnoses : An interdisciplinary perspective for otorhinolaryngologists]. / Gastrisches versus supragastrisches "belching", Singultus, Aerophagie und Differenzialdiagnosen : Eine interdisziplinäre Übersicht für den HNO-Arzt.

Belching is the act of expelling air from the stomach or esophagus into the pharynx. Although the process is regarded as physiological, excessive belching might be associated with a significant burden for affected patients in the sense of a belching disorder. Diagnosis of a belching disorder is often challenging, and its differentiation from other conditions such as rumination syndrome, singultus, or aerophagia can be difficult. Treatment of these disorders also represents a challenge for otorhinolaryngologists. Hence, the aim of this review is to provide an interdisciplinary overview of these clinical syndromes and provide practical guidance for their diagnosis and treatment.

Unforeseen effects: Hiccups unveiled by high-dose steroids in demyelination.

Background: Intractable hiccups, persisting beyond 48 h, pose a clinical challenge, particularly in demyelinating diseases like Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Understanding the complex neural pathways of the hiccup reflex and the impact of high-dose steroid therapy is crucial for managing this rare but distressing symptom. The hiccup reflex involves afferents from the vagus, phrenic, and sympathetic nerves, with the reflex center in the anterior horns at the C3 to 5 level and the medulla oblongata. The potential interplay between demyelination and corticosteroid therapy in triggering persistent hiccups requires exploration. Case report: This case report details a 21-year-old male with undiagnosed demyelinating disorder, presenting persistent hiccups following high-dose steroid therapy for an acute disease flare. The patient's history included vertigo and progressive neurological symptoms, leading to an MS diagnosis with significant brain and spinal lesions. Persistent hiccups, initiated by steroid administration, were recurrent but responsive to metoclopramide after other measures failed. Discussion: The discussion centers on investigating the cause of hiccups in a patient with demyelination following steroid administration. Steroids' impact on neurological systems, including neurotransmitter function, and the potential disruption of neurological pathways due to demyelination may contribute to hiccups. Successful hiccup resolution with metoclopramide suggests a potential pharmacological approach for corticosteroid-induced hiccups in demyelinating diseases. This case emphasizes the need for further research into the intricate relationship between demyelination, steroid therapy, and hiccups to enhance management strategies for this uncommon yet impactful symptom.

Severe Hyponatremia (96 mmol/L) Secondary to Primary Polydipsia and Pneumonia.

A 63-year-old man who presented to the hospital with altered mental status and decreased responsiveness was found to have severe symptomatic hyponatremia with a sodium level of 96 mmol/L and pneumonia. The patient was admitted to the medical intensive care unit for septic shock and acute severe hyponatremia. He was intubated for airway protection, and treated with 3% hypertonic saline bolus and antibiotics. After four days, sodium levels were corrected to 128 mmol/L, and the patient was extubated and downgraded to the medical floor. This case demonstrates one of the lowest recorded sodium lab values ever and the patient was successfully treated and discharged home with appropriate outpatient appointments.

The distinction of area postrema syndrome between MOGAD and NMOSD.

Background and objectives: Both myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG associated disorders (MOGAD) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. They present similar clinical manifestations such as optica neuritis, myelitis and area postrema syndrome (APS). The distinctions of optica neuritis (ON) and myelitis between them have been elaborated to great length while their differences in APS remain to be elucidated. We aim to report the frequency of APS in patients with MOGAD as well as NNOSD patients, and to compare the characteristics of APS between patients with MOGAD and those with NMOSD. Methods: Seven MOG-IgG positive APS patients were retrospectively identified between 2017 and 2022. APS phenotypes have been previously described. The similarities and differences between MOGAD and NMOSD patients with APS was compared, including the frequency and duration of APS between the two diseases, and their incidences of accompanied subtentorial lesions have also been described and compared. Results: We reviewed a cohort of 218 MOG-IgG-positive patients, and 396 patients with NMOSD. 200 MOGAD patients and 332 NMOSD patients were included in this study. In the cohort, seven patients with MOG-IgG-positive antibody presented with APS were analyzed, four of whom had disease onset with APS. Of the 332 patients with NMOSD, 47 had APS attacks while 31 had APS at disease onset. In patients with MOGAD, 2 had nausea, 3 had vomiting, 5 had hiccups, and 1 patient presented with all three symptoms above. In patients with NMOSD, 70.2 % had nausea, vomiting and hiccups at the same time during APS attacks. Apart from the medulla oblongata, other subtentorial regions were also affected in 6/7 MOGAD patients while 14/47 NMOSD patients had other subtentorial regions involved. During an APS attack, the incidence of concomitant lesions in the brainstem and other regions was significantly greater in MOGAD than in the NMOSD cohort (P = 0.008*). Conclusion: APS is a rare, but not isolated clinical manifestation of MOGAD. APS happened more frequently with other supratentorial and subtentorial lesions in MOGAD. The symptoms of NVH (nausea, vomiting, hiccups) tended to happen respectively in MOGAD compared with NMOSD. The phenotype or mechanism of APS in MOGAD may differ from that in NMOSD.

Treatment-resistant hiccups during general anesthesia possibly caused by remimazolam: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports have described hiccups during general anesthesia that were possibly induced by drugs, including benzodiazepines. However, there are few reports of hiccups caused by remimazolam. Case presentation A 75-year-old woman underwent corneal transplantation under general anesthesia with remimazolam. She presented with hiccups once the effects of muscle relaxants used during induction wore off, which persisted even after various treatments, such as the administration of antipsychotic drugs. However, when remimazolam administration was terminated after surgery to awaken the patient, the hiccups stopped and did not recur after extubation. Evaluation of predicted blood levels of remimazolam suggests that higher levels of remimazolam might cause hiccups. CONCLUSION: Remimazolam might induce hiccups during general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists should consider administering muscle relaxants or changing the anesthetic in cases of refractory hiccups under general anesthesia.

A Case of Persistent Hiccups Induced by an Enlarging Hepatic Cyst Underneath the Diaphragm.

Although hiccups are regularly self-limited and rarely life-threatening, prolonged hiccups are bothersome, which can significantly decrease the quality of life. Here, we report a case of persistent hiccups coexisting with an enlarging liver cyst situated just below the diaphragm in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). No other underlying etiologies related to the symptoms were suspected. The cyst was difficult to drain surgically and the patient continued with symptomatic treatment. Although rare, hepatic cysts should be considered a potential cause of prolonged hiccups in patients with ADPKD. We emphasize the significance of systematically excluding potential etiologies that cause prolonged hiccups and considering appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Hydrocortisone Therapy in Post-Stroke Management of Persistent Hiccups: A Case Report.

Hiccups, also known as singultus, are involuntary spasms of the diaphragm muscle followed by laryngeal closure involving a reflex arc. It is a relatively common phenomenon, usually transient and self-limiting. However, in medical settings, it could be much more serious and is often a sign of underlying pathology. When hiccups last for over 48 hours, they are referred to as persistent hiccups, and if they persist for more than a month, they are known as intractable hiccups. Current pharmacologic treatment of persistent or intractable hiccups mainly includes antidopaminergic drugs, which specifically antagonize the dopamine D2 receptor. Here, we present the case of a 54-year-old gentleman who was admitted under our care with a posterior circulation stroke specifically affecting the medulla. He was symptomatic with severe, persistent hiccups interfering with sleep and oral intake and unresponsive to all standard medications. After nearly two weeks, a trial of hydrocortisone was given, to which he responded dramatically. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case of hiccups that has been successfully treated with hydrocortisone. The remarkable improvement seen in our patient when treated with hydrocortisone suggests hydrocortisone could be a useful agent in post-stroke hiccups that are unresponsive to traditional treatment for hiccups.

Intractable cough and hiccups after resuscitation and acute coronary syndrome treatment successfully treated using the Kampo medicine bukuyoingohangekobokuto: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Even in patients who survive resuscitation through multidisciplinary treatment, minor persistent symptoms can make hospital discharge difficult. Herein, we report a case of myocardial infarction with intractable symptoms following resuscitation, which were successfully treated using Kampo medicine. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old man experienced intractable cough and hiccups following resuscitation for acute myocardial infarction. Despite successful invasive treatment for his cardiac condition, the patient's persistent symptoms hindered his recovery and discharge from hospital. The patient was diagnosed with qi and blood deficiency, qi stagnation, and fluid retention, before being prescribed the Kampo medicine "bukuryoingohangekobokuto (BRIHK)". Within days of treatment initiation, his symptoms notably improved, allowing him to be discharged. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the potential of Kampo medicine for addressing post-resuscitation symptoms that are refractory to conventional treatments, and emphasizes the importance of integrating Kampo medicine with Western medical practices to enhance patient care and quality of life.

Antibiotic-Induced Hiccups: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review.

Hiccups, also called hiccoughs, are sudden, involuntary and rapid expulsion of air from the lungs with synchronous closure of the glottis causing blockade of the air flow. Hiccups may be induced by a multitude of etiologies such as central nervous disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disorders, psychogenic factors, and metabolic disorders. Hiccups induced by medications are rare. The diagnosis of drug-induced hiccup is difficult. The exact mechanism responsible for this adverse drug reaction is still unknown. Herein, we report the first case of cefotaxime-induced hiccups and briefly review the literature on antibiotic-induced hiccups.

The Association between Molecular Initiating Events and Drug-Induced Hiccups.

Hiccups can significantly reduce the quality of life of patients and can occur as a drug side effect. Previous reports have revealed sex-specific differences in the incidence of drug-induced hiccups. However, the pathogenesis of drug-induced hiccups remains unknown, and there is limited evidence on its treatment or prevention. This study examined molecular initiating events (MIEs), which are the starting point of adverse events, to investigate the drug-induced pathways of hiccups. We extracted drugs suspected to cause hiccups using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, a large database on adverse drug reactions. Information on drugs suspected to be associated with hiccups was extracted from the overall population and sex-specific subgroups were divided. In each data table, the predicted activity values of nuclear receptors and stress response pathways for each drug were calculated using the Toxicity Predictor, a machine-learning model. Transforming growth factor-beta and antioxidant response elements were considered an independent factor for hiccups in the male and female subgroups, respectively. This report first examined one of the mechanisms of drug-induced hiccups and identified MIEs associated with drug-induced hiccups. The use of an adverse event database and the machine-learning model, Toxicity Predictor, may be useful for generating hypotheses for other adverse effects with unknown mechanisms.

Hiccups: An Atypical Manifestation of Miliary Tuberculosis and Myocardial Ischemia.

Hiccups are a benign, self-limiting condition caused by intermittent spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm. However, its persistence may be indicative of a more ominous underlying condition, and its manifestation is seen in myocardial ischemia/infarction and tuberculosis (TB). We present two unique cases where persistent hiccups lead to the diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis in one patient and myocardial infarction in the other. It stresses the importance that such a benign presentation may be a warning for a more sinister pathology and thus requires extensive work-up in high-risk and senior individuals.

Persistent Hiccups Shortly after Tramadol Intake: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Tramadol can inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake leading to stimulation of the central component of the hiccup reflex arc. We have found only two previous cases of tramadol-induced hiccups. Additionally, three pharmacovigilance studies have investigated the involvement of tramadol in cases who have developed hiccups as adverse effects. Herein, we have presented a case of a middle-aged male who has developed hiccups shortly after tramadol intake. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old male complaining of chronic pain in the right knee was treated with tramadol. The individual developed hiccups within 10 hours of the first tramadol dose. The patient tried to stop the hiccups with non-pharmacological measures, such as stopping the air inside the lungs and drinking cold fluids. The patient appeared to concentrate on avoiding hiccups, which he could avoid for some time. However, then, the hiccups would come all at a unique time. The hiccups occurred at a frequency of one hiccup/5-10 seconds, interrupting the patient's nutrition and sleep pattern. Eventually, tramadol was suspected of inducing hiccups, and baclofen was started. CONCLUSION: Tramadol as well as opioids should be considered as a cause of hiccups. We aim to improve awareness about the safety of such drugs among physicians and the proper management of associated risks.

Persistent hiccups as a rare presenting symptom of empyema: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Empyema is uncommon owing to antibiotic use but still affects patient health if not treated. Hiccups as the initial symptom of empyema are rare; however, empyema should be considered if a patient has persistent hiccups with unexplained fever. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of persistent hiccups, left upper quadrant abdominal pain, and fever on day 1, and total left lung white-out and empyema on day 3. The hiccups resolved gradually after antibiotic treatment and surgical decortication. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider the possibility of empyema and conduct a chest computed tomography study if unexplained fever and persistent hiccups coexist.

Hiccup Relief Using Active Prolonged Inspiration.

Background Hiccups are a common physiologic reflex resulting from intermittent and involuntary spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. While most cases are self-limited, lasting less than 48 hours, rare pathologies may result in prolonged symptoms. Hiccups can be disruptive and uncomfortable, leading many to seek management strategies using common home remedies. Few methods for terminating hiccups have been published in the scientific literature. We report the efficacy of the Hiccup relief using Active Prolonged Inspiration (HAPI) technique, which combines phrenic and vagal nerve stimulation with transient hypercapnia for hiccup relief. Methods Twenty patients with self-limited hiccups and one patient with prolonged hiccups were successful in eliminating hiccups using HAPI. In this method, patients are instructed to inspire maximally. Once at the peak of inspiration, they continue to attempt to inspire with an open glottis for a total of 30 seconds. This is followed by a slow expiration and resumption of normal respiration. Results In all cases, patients reported immediate hiccup relief. Conclusion These findings suggest the HAPI technique is a simple and viable method for hiccup relief. Further studies are needed to validate effectiveness.

An Unusual Hiccup: Severe Singultus as a Symptom in Ulcerative Colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses a group of chronic inflammatory conditions associated with both intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. We present a 26-year-old man with a history of ulcerative colitis who presented with a disease exacerbation associated with severe intractable hiccups. We report a unique clinical symptom associated with severe ulcerative colitis and the diagnostic dilemma associated with this presentation. This case highlights the importance of recognizing unusual symptoms that can be associated with inflammatory bowel disease exacerbations and demonstrates the therapeutic potential of effective therapy of the underlying inflammatory disease.

Prolonged hiccups induced by renal infarction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hiccups are common symptoms that last for less than 48 hours. However, we encountered a case of renal infarction in a patient with prolonged hiccup. The relationship between hiccups and renal infarction is important in differentiating patients with prolonged hiccups. CASE PRESENTATION: An 87-year-old Japanese man with atrial fibrillation and receiving antithrombotic therapy presented to the emergency department with prolonged hiccups. The patient discontinued antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation due to subcortical bleeding, after which he experienced right back pain. He was diagnosed with right renal infarction based on computed tomography images, and the antithrombotic therapy was continued. The patient's hiccups ceased, and he was discharged on hospital day 11. CONCLUSION: Hiccups can be induced by various clinical conditions. It is hypothesized that the inflammation of the right kidney infarction stimulated the diaphragm and induced prolonged hiccups in this patient; this theory is supported by the computed tomography images. This case report shows that internal organ diseases irritating the diaphragm can cause hiccups, and renal disease should be considered in patients with prolonged hiccups.