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Digoxin prophylaxis following coronary artery bypass surgery
Clinical Pharmacy
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Postoperative digoxin did not reduce supraventricular arrhythmias in coronary artery bypass surgery patients. Prophylactic digoxin is not recommended for these patients unless they have a history of responsive arrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Supraventricular arrhythmias are a common complication after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
- Digoxin is a medication sometimes used to manage cardiac conditions, but its prophylactic role post-CABG is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of postoperative digoxin administration in preventing supraventricular arrhythmias in patients undergoing CABG.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- Patients were assigned to either a control group (n=51) or a digoxin group (n=47).
- Exclusion criteria included preoperative digoxin or antiarrhythmic use, and abnormal cardiac, renal, or hepatic function.
Main Results:
- The incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias was 16% in the control group and 15% in the digoxin group, a nonsignificant difference.
- Two patients in the digoxin group experienced digoxin-induced arrhythmias.
- Two patients in the digoxin group reported nausea and vomiting related to the drug.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative administration of digoxin does not significantly affect the incidence of supraventricular arrhythmias in patients undergoing CABG.
- Prophylactic digoxin is not recommended for this patient population unless a history of digoxin-responsive arrhythmias exists.