What percentage of patients with cancer develop hiccups with oxaliplatin- or cisplatin-based chemotherapy? a compilation of patient-reported outcomes.

backgroundChemotherapy-induced hiccups are understudied but can cause sleep deprivation, fatigue, pain in the chest and abdomen, poor oral intake, aspiration, and even death. As a critical next step toward investigating better palliative methods, this study reported patient-reported incidence of hiccups after oxaliplatin- or cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

methodsThe current study relied on 2 previous studies that sought to acquire consecutive direct patient report of hiccups among patients who had recently received chemotherapy with cisplatin or oxaliplatin. These patient-reported data in conjunction with information from the medical record are the focus of this report.

resultsOf 541 patients, 337 were successful contacted by phone; and 95 (28%; 95% CI: 23%, 33%) of these contacted patients reported hiccups. In univariable analyses, male gender (odds ratio (OR): 2.17 (95% confidence ratio (95% CI): 1.30, 3.62); p = 0.002), increased height (OR: 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.06); p = 0.02), and concomitant aprepitant/fosaprepitant (OR: 2.23 (95% CI: 1.31, 3.78); p = 0.002) were associated with hiccups. In multivariable analyses, these statistically significant associations persisted except for height.

conclusionsThese patient-reported data demonstrate that oxaliplatin- or cisplatin-induced hiccups occur in a notable proportion of patients with cancer. Male gender and concomitant aprepitant/fosaprepitant appear to increase risk.