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Persistent hiccup associated with intrathecal morphine infusion pump therapy.
Xiulu Ruan1, John Patrick Couch, Rinoo Shah
1Physicians' Pain Specialists of Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36607, USA.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|December 20, 2007
Summary
Intraspinal morphine infusion effectively manages severe nonmalignant pain. However, this therapy can cause side effects, including the first reported case of persistent hiccups from intrathecal morphine delivery.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intraspinal drug delivery, particularly intrathecal morphine, is a growing treatment for intractable nonmalignant pain.
- Morphine is the sole FDA-approved opioid for intrathecal administration, widely used for spinal analgesia.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing intrathecal morphine infusion therapy for chronic pain developed persistent hiccups.
- This represents a previously undocumented adverse effect of this pain management modality.
Findings:
- Intrathecal morphine infusion, while effective for analgesia, can lead to significant adverse events.
- Persistent hiccups are identified as a potential, albeit rare, complication of this therapy.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of persistent hiccups as a possible side effect of intrathecal morphine.
- Further research may be needed to understand the mechanism and prevalence of this adverse event.
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