Risk Factors for Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Hiccups (CIH)

Background: Hiccups are common somatic side effects of medication. Our previous analysis of the clinical risk factors for hiccups identified chemotherapy as a factor related to hiccup risk. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the risk factors for hiccups associated with chemotherapy. Methods: We included all patients who received cancer chemotherapy and were hospitalized at the Musashino Red Cross Hospital between April 2014 and December 2014. We investigated patient demographics, physical characteristics, and other clinical factors to identify the risk factors for chemotherapy-induced hiccups (CIH). We conducted univariate and multivariable analysis to compare the CIH group and the non-CIH and determined risk factors of CIH. Results: Hiccups were identified in 48 of 292 patients with an incidence rate of 16.4%. Univariate analysis revealed that the male gender, pain, and nausea and vomiting were related to CIH. It also showed that cisplatin, pemetrexed, gemcitabine, etoposide, dexamethasone, and metoclopramide were related to CIH.A correlation which was found with doses of cisplatin, pemetrexed, gemcitabine, and etoposide. Multivariable analysis identified male gender (OR, 72.69; 95% CI, 6.95 - 757.64), nausea and vomiting (OR, 52.01; 95% CI, 3.93 - 447.13), dexamethasone (OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 1.12 - 16.91), cisplatin (OR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.52 - 9.70), and etoposide (OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.14 - 12.11) as independent risk factors for hiccups. Conclusions: The present study is the first one to report risk factors for the development of CIH. Our results suggest that male gender, having nausea, and the drugs dexamethasone, cisplatin, and etoposide are important risk factors for CIH. These results may assist in elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and guide therapy to reduce hiccup risk.