Is High Sensitive-Troponin I A Reliable Biomarker For Cardiac Injury In Methadone Toxicity? A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract Background: Methadone is a synthetic opioid mostly used for detoxification therapy, as its use increases; the possibility for methadone-induced cardiotoxicity may rise. The aim of this study was to determine the association of high-sensitivity troponin I levels as a predictor of cardiac injury in methadone toxicity.Methods: Sixty methadone toxicity patients included in this prospective cross-sectional study from October 2018-November 2020. High-sensitivity troponin I level and electrocardiogram were assessed in patients at admission. All patients underwent echocardiography at admission and 30 days later and compared this findings between two groups based on high-sensitivity troponin I results.Results: Mean age of the patients was 34.5±11.1 years (males: 66%). Twelve (20%) patients had positive high sensitive-troponin results. Long QT interval and inverted T in precordial leads were mostly observed in individuals with positive high-sensitivity troponin I (75% vs. 35%, P=0.013 and 83% vs. 16%, P<0.001, respectively). Patients with elevated troponin had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in comparison to normal group during admission (43.1±15.4% vs. 55%, P<0.001) and this left ventricular ejection fraction remained abnormal after 30 days (43.7±21.6%). Patients in positive high-sensitivity troponin I group had higher regional wall motion abnormality frequency both at admission and 30 days later compared to the other group (0 day: 42% vs. 0, P<0.001, 30th days: 25% vs. 4%, P=0.020).Conclusion: Patients with simultaneous methadone toxicity and positive high-sensitivity troponin I had worse cardiac outcomes and this biomarker could be probably used for better implementation of therapeutic interventions and prognosis.