Acupuncture treatment for persistent hiccups in patients with cancer.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of acupuncture treatment for persistent hiccups in cancer patients. DESIGN The study design was a retrospective case series. SETTINGS/LOCATION The study setting was the Clinical Research Center of the National Institutes of Health. SUBJECTS The subjects were 16 adult male patients ages 27-71 with cancer, with persistent hiccups. INTERVENTIONS There were one to three acupuncture sessions over a 1-7-day period. OUTCOME MEASURES Treatment efficacy was measured using a hiccup assessment instrument pre- and post-treatment. The effects of acupuncture on common symptoms reported by all patients were also evaluated. RESULTS Thirteen (13) patients experienced complete remission of persistent hiccups (p < 0.0001); 3 patients experienced decreased hiccups severity. Significant improvement was observed in discomfort (p < 0.0001), distress (p < 0.0001), and fatigue (p = 0.0078). CONCLUSIONS This case series demonstrates that acupuncture may be a clinically useful, safe, and low-cost therapy for persistent hiccups in patients with cancer.