Effects of Long-Term Methadone Use on Kidney Function
Author Information
Author(s): Chegini Valiollah Goudarzvand, Kazemifar Amir Mohammad, Tavakolian Amir Ershad, Karimi Arian Ghannadi, Sofi Arsalan Jamali Pour, Ipchian Darya, Kamali Sahand, Varkiani Mehran Ebrahimi, Yazdi Zohreh
Primary Institution: Qazvin University of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
How does chronic oral methadone use affect the glomerular filtration rate in patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy?
Conclusion
Long-term methadone therapy does not inherently increase the risk of chronic kidney disease, but higher dosages may reduce kidney function.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found a significant correlation between methadone dosage and reduced glomerular filtration rate.
- Mean GFR values remained within the normal range throughout the study.
- Long-term methadone use did not significantly affect GFR despite dosage variations.
Takeaway
This study looked at how taking methadone for a long time affects the kidneys. It found that while taking more methadone can hurt kidney function, just taking it for a long time doesn't seem to cause problems.
Methodology
An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 participants on methadone syrup for at least 2 years, measuring demographic data, methadone dosage, and serum creatinine levels at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding variables such as co-occurring mental health disorders or concurrent substance use were not controlled for.
Limitations
The sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings, and confounding variables may not have been adequately controlled.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were male (88%), with most taking a methadone dose of 5 cc (25 mg).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p>0.05
Statistical Significance
p>0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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