Related Experiment Videos
[Digoxin intoxication in newborns correlation with digoxin plasma concentration (author's transl)]
Monatsschrift Fur Kinderheilkunde
|March 1, 1978
Summary
Digoxin intoxication is a risk for newborns, with plasma levels of 5 ng/ml or higher indicating a high likelihood. Monitoring digoxin levels is crucial due to nonspecific symptoms in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal medicine
- Pediatric cardiology
- Clinical pharmacology
Context:
- Digitalis glycosides, particularly digoxin, are frequently administered to newborns.
- Digoxin intoxication was identified in eight newborns within a two-year period.
- Intoxication was suspected based on electrocardiographic changes during digoxin treatment.
Purpose:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of digoxin intoxication in newborns.
- To establish plasma digoxin concentration thresholds for intoxication in neonates.
- To highlight the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring for digoxin in this population.
Summary:
- Eight newborns exhibited digoxin intoxication, characterized by plasma digoxin concentrations of 5 ng/ml or higher.
- Affected infants showed specific electrocardiographic signs that resolved upon digoxin discontinuation or treatment.
- Untreated newborns had average plasma digoxin levels of 2.4 ng/ml (premature) and 2.2 ng/ml (mature).
Impact:
- Plasma digoxin concentrations of 5 ng/ml or more strongly suggest intoxication in newborns.
- Levels below 3 ng/ml make digoxin intoxication unlikely.
- Routine monitoring of plasma digoxin concentrations is recommended for newborns receiving the medication due to nonspecific clinical and ECG findings.