Related Experiment Videos
[Serum digoxin in children treated with beta methyl digoxin]
P Soler1, Y García, R Zilleruelo
1Centro Cardiovascular, Hospital, Luis Calvo Mackenna.
Revista Chilena De Pediatria
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Monitoring serum digoxin levels is crucial in children, especially those with renal issues. Higher levels (>2.4 ng/ml) often indicate toxicity, with gastrointestinal symptoms being common in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Clinical Chemistry
Context:
- Digoxin is a widely used cardiac glycoside for treating heart conditions in children.
- Accurate therapeutic drug monitoring is essential to optimize efficacy and minimize toxicity.
- Pediatric patients may exhibit different responses and toxicity profiles compared to adults.
Purpose:
- To determine the therapeutic range of serum digoxin concentrations in pediatric patients.
- To correlate serum digoxin levels with clinical signs of toxicity.
- To evaluate the impact of renal function on digoxin levels and toxicity in children.
Summary:
- Serum digoxin concentrations were measured in 53 children treated with beta-methyl digoxin.
- A therapeutic range of 0.9 to 2.25 ng/ml was estimated; levels above 2.4 ng/ml invariably correlated with toxicity.
- Toxicity signs included arrhythmias and gastrointestinal symptoms, with the latter being more frequent in children. Acute renal failure complicated digoxin management in some patients.
Impact:
- The study reinforces the need for systematic monitoring of digoxin toxicity signs in pediatric patients.
- Recommendations include adjusting digoxin dosage in critically ill children or those with acute renal failure.
- An oral dose of 7-10 micrograms/kg/day of beta-methyl digoxin is suggested for pediatric use.