查看文章

Methadone is associated with QT prolongation and serious cardiac complications, but this has been primarily demonstrated in opioid dependent patients receiving moderate to high doses. This study investigates the effect of low-dose methadone on the QTc interval in a chronic pain population.

We conducted a prospective cohort study in a chronic pain clinic including 82 patients receiving methadone and 102 patients receiving non-methadone opioid therapy.

We analyzed automated QTc calculations from 12-lead electrocardiograms at baseline and during the subsequent 6 months. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of QTc greater than 470 milliseconds or an increase from baseline of greater than 60 milliseconds.

The methadone group did not manifest an overall higher …