Volume 12, Issue 3 (2026)
Pharm Biomed Res 2026, 12(3): 0-0 |
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Arjmand M, Fazel M Y, Parvaresh A, Shamsipour F, Ghorbani R, Bagheryan A S, et al . Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Prolonged QT Interval in Patients with Methadone Poisoning: A 10-Year Retrospective Study of 1,000 Cases. Pharm Biomed Res 2026; 12 (3)
URL: http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-740-en.html
URL: http://pbr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-740-en.html
Marziyeh Arjmand1 
, Mohammad Yousef Fazel2 , Arash Parvaresh3 , Fateme Shamsipour4 , Roshanak Ghorbani5 , Amir Sajad Bagheryan6 , Seyed Ahmadreza Ziaei7 , Niloofar Deravi8 , Mehrnoush Giahi Yazdi9 , Marjan Shariatpanahi10 , Elahe Zare11 , Hamid Owliaey *12
, Mohammad Yousef Fazel2 , Arash Parvaresh3 , Fateme Shamsipour4 , Roshanak Ghorbani5 , Amir Sajad Bagheryan6 , Seyed Ahmadreza Ziaei7 , Niloofar Deravi8 , Mehrnoush Giahi Yazdi9 , Marjan Shariatpanahi10 , Elahe Zare11 , Hamid Owliaey *12
1- Department of Medical Science, Yazd Branch, Azad University, Yazd, Iran.
2- 2. School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- 3. Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- 4. Student Research Committee, School of Health, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
5- 5. Universal Scientific Education and Reseach Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
6- 6. School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
7- Student Research Committee, Department of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
8- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
9- 9. General Practitioner, Social Security Organization of Yazd, Iran
10- 10. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
11- 11. Clinical Research Development Center, Afshar Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
12- 12. Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
2- 2. School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- 3. Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4- 4. Student Research Committee, School of Health, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
5- 5. Universal Scientific Education and Reseach Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
6- 6. School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
7- Student Research Committee, Department of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
8- Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
9- 9. General Practitioner, Social Security Organization of Yazd, Iran
10- 10. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
11- 11. Clinical Research Development Center, Afshar Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
12- 12. Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
Abstract: (7 Views)
Objective: The purpose of this research study was two-fold: to determine the frequency of QT interval prolongation related to patients with methadone toxicities and to identify risk factors associated with the prolongation of the QT interval in these patients.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 1,000 patients admitted to Shah Vali (Yazd) and Shahid Beheshti (Taft) hospitals as a result of methadone overdose between January 2014 and December 2023. Data collection from patient charts included demographic information, methadone doses received, and electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements of the width of the QT interval that were taken from routine ECGs. The QT interval was categorized into two groups: <450 ms (Group 1) and ≥450 ms (Group 2). Age was dichotomized into <45 years and ≥45 years.
Results: Participants' average age was 32.8 ± 9.6 years. Their average dose of methadone was 75.4 ± 2.25 mg and the average QT interval was 478.6 ± 32.1 ms. Periods of prolonged QT (≥ 450 ms) occurred in 48 percent (n = 480) of participants. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between prolonged QT interval and factors like age group (p = 0.02), gender (p = 0.05), and electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (p = 0.02).
Conclusion: Numerous patients suffering from methadone overdose have severe QT prolongation based on clinical findings. Due to the high propensity for fatal arrhythmias associated with prolongation of the QT interval, these patients need continuous monitoring of their ECG (electrocardiogram) and prompt restoration of any abnormal electrolyte levels.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 1,000 patients admitted to Shah Vali (Yazd) and Shahid Beheshti (Taft) hospitals as a result of methadone overdose between January 2014 and December 2023. Data collection from patient charts included demographic information, methadone doses received, and electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements of the width of the QT interval that were taken from routine ECGs. The QT interval was categorized into two groups: <450 ms (Group 1) and ≥450 ms (Group 2). Age was dichotomized into <45 years and ≥45 years.
Results: Participants' average age was 32.8 ± 9.6 years. Their average dose of methadone was 75.4 ± 2.25 mg and the average QT interval was 478.6 ± 32.1 ms. Periods of prolonged QT (≥ 450 ms) occurred in 48 percent (n = 480) of participants. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between prolonged QT interval and factors like age group (p = 0.02), gender (p = 0.05), and electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (p = 0.02).
Conclusion: Numerous patients suffering from methadone overdose have severe QT prolongation based on clinical findings. Due to the high propensity for fatal arrhythmias associated with prolongation of the QT interval, these patients need continuous monitoring of their ECG (electrocardiogram) and prompt restoration of any abnormal electrolyte levels.
Keywords: Methadone, Poisoning, Electrocardiography, Long QT Syndrome, Cardiotoxicity, Opioid-Related Disorders
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
General
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