Frequency and Symptomatology of Hiccups in Patients With Cancer: Using an On-Line Medical Community to Better Understand the Patient Experience. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ehret, Christopher; Young, Colleen; Ellefson, Christine J.; Aase, Lee A.; Jatoi, Aminah
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 39:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 151
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: hiccups -- dexamethasone -- singultus -- adverse event -- side effect -- chemotherapy; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/10499091211006923
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients are at risk for hiccups, but the incidence and impact on quality of life are unclear. Methods: A survey (modified from the Functional Living Index with the inclusion of qualitative elements) was developed and launched on an 80, 000-member medical social media platform, Mayo Clinic Connecthttps://connect.mayoclinic.org/ . Results: Among 213 respondents, 34 (16%; 95% CI: 11, 22%) reported "yes" that they had experienced hiccups with cancer therapy. Of those patients who reported hiccups, only 12 (35%) were men, and most were older than 50 years of age. Over 25% noted that hiccups occurred frequently around the time of cancer therapy; 30% described that hiccups interfered with their leisure or recreational activities; and over 15% described hiccups interfered with their ability to enjoy a meal. A few patients seemed to express frustration with hiccups with comments such as, "Totally uncontrollable, " "It's extremely pain[ful] with throat cancer, " and "Once I had them bad. Almost choked." Conclusion: Hiccups occur in16% of patients who are receiving cancer therapy and, by our estimates and extrapolation, appear highly problematic in approximately 5%.