Association between intraoperative methadone administration and QTc interval prolongation: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors' conclusion
The implementation of methadone for perioperative pain management was not associated with an increased incidence of intraoperative QTc interval prolongation.
Study context
- Population
- Patients aged ≥18 years undergoing major non-cardiopulmonary surgery244 analysed after matching
- Participants
- 637 patients
- Exposure
- Intraoperative loading dose of methadone vs no methadone
- Outcome
- Any intraoperative 1-min averaged QTc interval >500 ms
- Follow-up
- Intraoperative
Methodological detailsobservational, propensity score matched (1:1)
- Observational
- Propensity score matched (1:1)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
QTc interval >500 ms
P = 0.88
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
QTc increase ≥30 ms from baseline
P = 0.22
QTc increase ≥60 ms from baseline
P = 0.21
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of intraoperative time above >500 ms thresholdSignificantly higher in the non-methadone group | P = 0.004 |
Original publication
Association between intraoperative methadone administration and QTc interval prolongation: a propensity score-matched analysis. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 4 February 2026. doi:10.
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