Dan Justo1, Amir Gal-Oz, Yael Paran, Yelena Goldin, David Zeltser. 1. Department of Internal Medicine D, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weitzman Street, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel. justo1@bezeqint.net
Abstract
AIMS: We reviewed all the publications concerning methadone-associated Torsades de Pointes (TdP) (polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) in opioid-dependent patients in order to characterize the clinical circumstances leading to this serious complication. METHODS: Our literature search yielded 14 reports on 40 patients with methadone-associated TdP. We gathered and recorded the risk factors for TdP mentioned in those reports, among other clinical aspects. RESULTS: The most prevalent risk factors for TdP were high-dose methadone (n = 39, 97.5%) and concomitant use of agents that increase serum methadone levels or trigger TdP (n = 22, 55%). HIV infection (n = 16), hypokalaemia (n = 14), female sex (n = 13), liver cirrhosis or renal failure (n = 11) and heart disease (n = 9) were also described. All the patients had at least one and 34 (85%) had two or more risk factors for TdP during methadone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We wish to raise the level of awareness of risk factors for TdP among physicians in heroin-treatment clinics who frequently prescribe methadone.
AIMS: We reviewed all the publications concerning methadone-associated Torsades de Pointes (TdP) (polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) in opioid-dependent patients in order to characterize the clinical circumstances leading to this serious complication. METHODS: Our literature search yielded 14 reports on 40 patients with methadone-associated TdP. We gathered and recorded the risk factors for TdP mentioned in those reports, among other clinical aspects. RESULTS: The most prevalent risk factors for TdP were high-dose methadone (n = 39, 97.5%) and concomitant use of agents that increase serum methadone levels or trigger TdP (n = 22, 55%). HIV infection (n = 16), hypokalaemia (n = 14), female sex (n = 13), liver cirrhosis or renal failure (n = 11) and heart disease (n = 9) were also described. All the patients had at least one and 34 (85%) had two or more risk factors for TdP during methadone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We wish to raise the level of awareness of risk factors for TdP among physicians in heroin-treatment clinics who frequently prescribe methadone.
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