Baclofen therapy for chronic hiccup.

Abstract

Chronic hiccup is a rare but potentially severe condition, that can be symptomatic of a variety of diseases, or idiopathic. Many therapeutic interventions have been reported, most often as case reports. Among other drugs, baclofen has been suggested as a therapy for chronic hiccup. In a large series of patients, we have evaluated its therapeutic position. In patients with chronic hiccup, defined as hiccup spell or recurring hiccup attacks lasting more than 7 days, investigation of the upper gastro-oesophageal tract (fibroscopy, manometry, and pH monitoring) was systematically performed. Most patients had tried numerous drugs in the past, without success. Baclofen was used as a first treatment in patients without evidence of any gastro-oesophageal disease (n = 17), and was undertaken only after full treatment of such disease (n = 55) had failed to solve the hiccup problem (n = 20). Baclofen has, therefore, been administered to 37 patients with chronic hiccup (average duration 4.6 yrs). Baclofen produced a long-term complete resolution (18 cases) or a considerable decrease (10 cases) of hiccups in 28 of the 37 patients. There was no significant difference between patients with or without gastro-oesophageal disease. We conclude that so-called idiopathic chronic hiccup often results from gastro-oesophageal abnormalities. Also, if controlled studies confirm our encouraging results, baclofen can be a major element in the treatment of chronic hiccup that is idiopathic, or that cannot be helped by treatment of gastro-oesophageal diseases.

• Authors: C Guelaud, T Similowski, J L Bizec, J Cabane, W A Whitelaw, J P Derenne
• Journal: The European respiratory journal (Eur Respir J) Vol. 8 Issue 2 Pg. 235-7 (Feb 1995) ISSN: 0903-1936 [Print] England
• PMID: 7758557 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Ulcer Agents
• Piperidines
• Baclofen
• Omeprazole
• Cisapride

Topics

• Anti-Ulcer Agents (therapeutic use)
• Baclofen (therapeutic use)
• Chronic Disease
• Cisapride
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (complications, drug therapy)
• Hiccup (complications, drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Omeprazole (therapeutic use)
• Piperidines (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome