Single-dose intraoperative methadone and QTc interval: a prospective observational cohort investigation
Main findingResult — go to the resultRelative risk 0.34 95% CI 0.16–0.75Authors' conclusion
A single-dose at induction of methadone i.v. did not prolong QTcF.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing elective surgery under GAmedian age 59 yr
- Participants
- 282 vs 265
- Exposure
- Single-dose i.v. methadone vs no methadone at induction of anaesthesia
- Methadonen = 282
- No methadonen = 265reference
- Outcome
- New-onset QTcF >500 ms (Fridericia-corrected QTc)
- Follow-up
- 1 h after opioid administration
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Relative risk
0.34
95% CI 0.16–0.75
P = 0.009
By group
Methadone vs No methadone
RR 0.34 (95% CI 0.16–0.75); P = 0.009
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
ΔQTcF>60 ms · all P<0.03
RR 0.39 · P < 0.03
Sex-specific thresholds exceeded (QTcF>450 ms males, >470 ms females)
| Outcome | Methadone | No methadone | RR | P value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any QTcF>500 msAll P<0.03 | 3.5% | — not stated in the abstract | 0.43 | P < 0.03 |
| Maximum ΔQTcF | 28 ms | 37 ms |
— not stated in the abstract
- Maximum ΔQTcF: all P<0.03
- Sex-specific thresholds exceeded (QTcF>450 ms males, >470 ms females): all P<0.03
Methadone dose vs QTcF or ΔQTcF
- No correlation between methadone dose and QTcF or ΔQTcF
Original publication
Single-dose intraoperative methadone and QTc interval: a prospective observational cohort investigation. Br J Anaesth. Published 4 July 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →