A case report of methadone-associated hypoglycemia in an 11-month-old male

Abstract

Background: Methadone is a synthetic μ-opioid receptor agonist that is used in the management of pain, neonatal abstinence withdrawal syndrome, and opioid dependence. Overdose can cause miosis, respiratory depression, and central nervous system depression. Rarely, hypoglycemia has been reported. We present the case of an 11-month-old male who developed hypoketotic, hyperinsulinemic, hypoglycemia after an acute, unintentional methadone exposure.

Case details: The patient was a previously healthy 11-month-old male who presented in respiratory failure. He was intubated and transferred to a large tertiary care center where his physical exam was notable for miosis. His labs were notable for a blood glucose of 17 mg/dL, an elevated insulin level, and suppressed serum beta-hydroxybutyrate. The patient was given a dextrose bolus with improvement in blood glucose. Administration of IV naloxone improved his miosis and mental status. A quantitative methadone level was sent upon arrival and was 123 ng/mL. Testing for ethanol, salicylates, sulfonylureas, and metabolic causes of hypoglycemia was negative. A fasting study showed euglycemia with suppression of insulin and appropriate ketosis.

Case discussion: We present the case of an 11-month-old male who developed hypoketotic, hyperinsulinemic, hypoglycemia after an acute, unintentional methadone exposure. Alternative explanations for hypoketotic hypoglycemia were rule out. Methadone-induced hypoglycemia has been reported in cancer patients receiving methadone for pain, but a mechanism has not been identified. Based on this case, we believe that the patient’s hypoglycemia was the result of methadone-induced insulin secretion.

Conclusions: This case proposes that hyperinsulinism is the mechanism responsible for methadone-associated hypoglycemia. Methadone exposure should be included in the differential diagnosis of new onset hypoglycemia.

Keywords:

• Pediatric
• opioid
• overdose
• hyperinsulinism

View correction statement:

Correction to: Toce et al., A case report of methadone-associated hypoglycemia in an 11-month-old male

Disclosure statement

None of the authors have any conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Margaret Stefater is funded by a T32 DK007699 Research in Developmental Endocrinology and Metabolism grant.