The correlation between age, chronic hiccup history, and hiccup frequency preceding and following dexamethasone therapy initiation: A correlational study

Abstract
Background Dexamethasone-associated hiccups (DAH) can severely lower patient quality of life. Despite being a recognized adverse effect, comprehensive clinical data on predictive patient-specific risk factors remain scarce. Objective This prospective study evaluated the incidence, onset time, and clinical predictors of DAH, focusing on key patient-specific factors such as age and baseline hiccup history. Methods Conducted over three months at a community pharmacy and a teaching hospital, this prospective observational cohort study enrolled 80 consecutive adult participants receiving dexamethasone for diverse therapeutic indications. Clinical data were collected via direct interviews using structured questionnaires. Results Hiccups occurred in 41.3% of participants (n = 33), demonstrating a statistically highly significant male predominance (93.9% vs. 6.1% female; p = 0.001). The mean onset time was remarkably rapid at 1.06 ± 0.242 h post-administration. A history of chronic hiccups was a powerful predictor, yielding a 100% occurrence rate in patients with a prior history (p = 0.008); baseline hiccup frequency strongly correlated with post-initiation development (rpb = 0.777, p < 0.001). While dexamethasone dosage had a marginal effect (p = 0.081), short treatment durations significantly increased risk (cRR = 1.335). Conversely, longer treatment durations (>2 weeks) showed a lower apparent risk (cRR = 0.29) due to survivorship bias. Age did not significantly correlate with incidence (p = 0.350). Conclusion DAH is a highly common, rapid-onset adverse effect primarily driven by male gender and a history of chronic hiccups. Recognizing these specific risk profiles enables targeted clinical monitoring and timely therapeutic adaptation within modern healthcare settings.

Author
Mustafa AbdulMonam Zainel

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2026.109056

ISSN
1532-3064

Publish Date: 2026-07-29