Dexamethasone and hiccups: a 2000-patient, telephone-based study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid with various therapeutic uses.
• Hiccups are a potential side effect of dexamethasone, often underreported or dismissed.
• The prevalence and patient perception of dexamethasone-induced hiccups are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the percentage of patients experiencing hiccups while on dexamethasone.
• To assess patient interest in and perceived helpfulness of educational materials regarding dexamethasone-induced hiccups.

Main Methods:

• A phone survey was conducted with adult outpatients who received dexamethasone within the prior two weeks.
• Participants were asked about experiencing hiccups and offered educational materials.
• Patient opinions on the availability of educational materials were collected using a 5-point Likert scale.

Main Results:

• 11% (127/1186) of surveyed patients reported experiencing hiccups.
• Among those with hiccups, 43% expressed a desire for educational materials.
• Of those who received materials, 43% rated their helpfulness as 'extremely helpful' (5/5).

Conclusions:

• Dexamethasone-induced hiccups affect a notable minority of patients.
• There is a clear patient interest in and positive reception to educational resources for managing these side effects.
• The findings suggest an unmet need for patient education and support concerning dexamethasone-induced hiccups.