Transient hiccups associated with oral dexamethasone

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Anesthesiology
• Clinical Case Reports

Background:

• Hiccups (singultus) are common, usually self-limiting, and not typically drug-induced.
• Corticosteroids and benzodiazepines are frequently implicated by clinicians as potential causes of drug-induced hiccups.
• The association between corticosteroids and hiccups is often anecdotal, particularly with high-dose steroid therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of hiccups potentially induced by a low dose of a corticosteroid (dexamethasone) administered preoperatively.
• To raise awareness among healthcare practitioners about the potential for hiccups as a side effect of steroid therapy.

Main Methods:

• A clinical case report detailing a patient who developed hiccups after receiving preoperative dexamethasone.
• Observation of the patient's condition, including the onset of hiccups, surgical procedure, and resolution of symptoms.

Main Results:

• The patient developed hiccups prior to anesthesia and surgery after receiving dexamethasone.
• The surgical procedure was completed without complications, and the patient experienced no distress.
• Hiccups completely resolved by the second postoperative day.

Conclusions:

• This case suggests a potential link between even low-dose corticosteroid use and the development of hiccups.
• Healthcare providers should consider hiccups as a possible side effect of steroid therapy.
• Further investigation may be warranted to understand the mechanisms and prevalence of steroid-induced hiccups.