Persistent Opioid-Induced Hiccups: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Medical Case Reports
• Pharmacology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Hiccups (singultus) are involuntary diaphragm contractions.
• Opioids can cause persistent, disruptive hiccups, impacting patient comfort.
• The exact mechanism of opioid-induced hiccups is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of recurrent hiccups following surgery and opioid use.
• To highlight the challenges in managing opioid-induced hiccups.
• To emphasize the need for further research into underlying mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 22-year-old female patient.
• Detailed intraoperative and postoperative opioid administration (morphine, fentanyl PCA, tramadol).
• Observation of hiccup patterns in relation to patient position and opioid management.

Main Results:

• The patient developed frequent hiccups post-surgery coinciding with fentanyl PCA use.
• Hiccups persisted intermittently despite tramadol initiation.
• Hiccups resolved in the supine position and worsened when upright.

Conclusions:

• Opioid-induced hiccups can be challenging to manage, with limited pharmacological therapy effectiveness.
• Positional changes influenced hiccup severity in this case.
• Further research is crucial for understanding mechanisms and developing effective treatments.