title: Baclofen for stroke patients with persistent hiccups: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The results of preclinical studies suggest that baclofen may be useful in the treatment of stroke patients with persistent hiccups. This study was aimed to assess the possible efficacy of baclofen for the treatment of persistent hiccups after stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 30 stroke patients with persistent hiccups were randomly assigned to receive baclofen (n = 15) or a placebo (n = 15) in a double-blind, parallel-group trial. Participants in the baclofen group received 10 mg baclofen 3 times daily for 5 days. Participants assigned to the placebo group received 10 mg placebo 3 times daily for 5 days. The primary outcome measure was cessation of hiccups. Secondary outcome measures included efficacy in the two groups and adverse events.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 30 patients completed the study. The number of patients in whom the hiccups completely stopped was higher in the baclofen group than in the placebo group (relative risk, 7.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.91-25.62; P = 0.003). Furthermore, efficacy was higher in the baclofen group than in the placebo group (P < 0.01). No serious adverse events were documented in either group. One case each of mild transient drowsiness and dizziness was present in the baclofen group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Baclofen was more effective than a placebo for the treatment of persistent hiccups in stroke patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Chinese Clinical Trials Register: ChiCTR-TRC-13004554.
authors: Cuie
authors: C
authors: Zhang
authors: Ruifen
authors: R
authors: Zhang
authors: Department of Neurology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China. zhangshuangyan2014@163.com.
authors: Shuangyan
authors: S
authors: Zhang
authors: Meiling
authors: M
authors: Xu
authors: Shuyan
authors: S
authors: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001418:Baclofen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006606:Hiccup / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D001418:Baclofen