Baclofen in the treatment of persistent hiccup: a case series. Issue 9 (8th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mirijello, A.; Addolorato, G.; D'Angelo, C.; Ferrulli, A.; Vassallo, G.; Antonelli, M.; Leggio, L.; Landolfi, R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of clinical practice. Volume 67:Issue 9(2013)
• Page Start: 918
• Page End: 921
• Publication Date: 2013-07-08
• Subjects: Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12184
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-5031

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ijcp12184-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <sec id="ijcp12184-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Persistent hiccup is a worrying symptom both for patients, because of reduced quality of life, and for physicians, because of frustration for unsuccessful treatments.</p> </sec> <sec id="ijcp12184-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To test baclofen administration for the treatment of persistent hiccup.</p> </sec> <sec id="ijcp12184-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>We report a series of seven patients affected by persistent hiccup successfully treated with baclofen.</p> </sec> <sec id="ijcp12184-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Hiccup stopped in all patients after a single administration of the drug.</p> </sec> <sec id="ijcp12184-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Baclofen is a GABA_B receptor agonist. It is conceivable that the reduction of dopamine release by GABA_B receptor stimulation is able to interrupt hiccup's reflex arc.</p> </sec> </abstract>