Evaluation of factors associated with clinically problematic hiccups in cisplatin-containing treatment with dexamethasone and neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists.

backgroundChemotherapy-induced hiccups are one of the frequently appearing adverse events. Previous reports have suggested that cisplatin (CDDP) combined with dexamethasone and neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonists is particularly associated with these symptoms. Consequently, we aimed to identify additional factors involved in the development of problematic hiccups during the real-world treatment.

methodsPatients with thoracic cancer first receiving CDDP-containing treatment (≥ 75 mg/m

resultsThe incidence of grade ≥ 2 hiccups was 32.9%, with all-grade symptoms of 44.8%. Grade 3 severe hiccups were observed in 5.2% of the patients. Most patients (96.8%) received metoclopramide as first-line treatment, and the efficacy of the first medication was confirmed in 59.6% of patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified male sex, baseline hypoalbuminemia, and concomitant bevacizumab as significant risk factors for grade ≥ 2 problematic hiccups (adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval 10.32 [4.38-24.32], P < 0.0001 for males; 2.41 [1.06-5.50], P = 0.04 for hypoalbuminemia; and 3.42 [1.25-9.36], P = 0.02 for concomitant bevacizumab). Moreover, male sex was identified as a singular risk factor for all-grade symptoms (7.94 [4.14-15.22], P < 0.0001).

conclusionOur study revealed that male sex, hypoalbuminemia, and concomitant bevacizumab use were significant risk factors for clinically problematic hiccups in patients receiving CDDP-containing treatment along with dexamethasone and NK1 receptor inhibitors for thoracic cancer.