Key result
Planned meta-analysis evaluates methadone's association with QTc prolongation and major cardiac events.
Why the study?
Methadone administration has been associated with QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, but systematic evaluation of this association and the odds of major cardiac events was needed.
Does methadone administration prolong QTc interval length in adult or paediatric patients?
Population
Adult or paediatric patients receiving oral or intravenous methadone for opioid use disorder, cancer-related pain, and surgical pain
Comparison
Methadone vs baseline pre-methadone QTc measurements or an unexposed external control group
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors
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Leaves QTc risk assessment with methadone unresolved; planned meta-analysis will quantify dose- and time-dependent effects across indications.
Systematic Review
Does methadone administration prolong QTc interval length in adult or paediatric patients?
This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the dose- and time-dependent effects of methadone on QTc prolongation and major cardiac events across various clinical indications.
Nunez-Rodriguez et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Opioid use disorder, cancer pain, and surgical pain. Methadone vs. Baseline pre-methadone QTc measurements or external control group not exposed to methadone was evaluated on QTc interval length (in milliseconds). Methadone administration and its association with QTc prolongation and major cardiac events will be evaluated in this planned systematic review and meta-analysis, which currently reports no results.
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