A clinical survey on methadone poisoning: Predisposing factors and clinical expression

Abstract

Background and aims: Ongoing methadone intoxication parallels the generalization of the implemented addiction cession programs, as well as the necessity to sustain an effectively durable addiction treatment course. This study aimed to investigate the predisposing factors and clinical features of methadone intoxication. Methods: During a one-year period (March 2018 to March 2019), patients admitted for methadone intoxication were investigated retrospectively. Demographic data, the consumed methadone dose, electrocardiogram findings, and the level of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) at admission were collected and entered into a statistical analyzing platform (SPSS version 22) for further statistical testing. Results: Seventy-five eligible patients were investigated. The mean age was 23.63±16.66, 66.7% were male, and 15 patients were children. The unemployment status led to an increased methadone poisoning (MP) incidence (P<0.05). The incidences of an increased CPK or QT segment prolongation were 17% and 7%, respectively. There was not any statistical correlation between the incidence of MP, the demographic and clinical data, as well as the used methadone dose. Moreover, the duration of the QT segment was not statistically influenced by the CPK. Conclusion: MP incidence seems to be influenced by social status. The increase in CPK and QT prolongation was not influenced by the methadone dose. It seems that more studies are required to further investigate the risk and prognostic factors of MP.