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Author Credentials

Yong Lee, MD - Internal Medicine PGY2

Jacob Psomiadis, MD - Internal Medicine PGY 1

Sarah Akbani, MBBS - Internal Medicine PGY 1

Marvin Lopez-Medal, MD - Hospitalist

Aisha Miller, MD - Hospitalist

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0003-1991-1448

Abstract

Hiccups, medically referred as singultus, is a condition that results from involuntary contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Singultus is usually a self-limiting condition which typically lasts less than 48 hours but in rare cases, can persist greater than 48 hours. This is a case of a 48 year-old male who was prescribed dexamethasone for COVID-19 but developed intractable singultus for two weeks. Patient was unable to tolerate diet due to intractable singultus leading to vomiting. He underwent various non-pharmacological maneuvers and pharmacotherapy without resolution. Dexamethasone- induced hiccups have been reported as an under recognized side effect of dexamethasone. Despite discontinuation of offending agent, patient’s singultus persisted. The patient achieved resolution of singultus with a combination of baclofen and olanzapine. This case provides additional literature during this COVID-19 pandemic while dexamethasone is being used as the first line management.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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