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[Disorders of the ability to distinguish colors during digitalis therapy (author's transl)]
Insights
Digoxin use can cause color vision disturbances, with severity correlating to serum digoxin levels. This study investigated these visual side effects in patients treated with different digoxin formulations.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
Context:
- Cardiac glycosides, specifically digoxin, are widely used for heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Potential visual side effects, including color vision disturbances, are known but require further investigation.
- Different digoxin formulations (beta-methyl and beta-acetyl) may have varying pharmacokinetic profiles and associated risks.
Purpose:
- To investigate the correlation between serum digoxin concentration and the severity of color vision disturbances.
- To compare the incidence and nature of visual disturbances in patients treated with beta-methyl digoxin versus beta-acetyl digoxin.
- To describe the temporal aspects of color vision disturbances in a case of digoxin intoxication.
Summary:
- A study involving 31 patients on beta-methyl digoxin, 34 on beta-acetyl digoxin, and 17 controls assessed color vision.
- Radioimmunological determination of serum digoxin levels revealed a significant correlation (p < 0.01) between digoxin concentration and the severity of color vision disturbances.
- Disturbances affected various wavelength regions, and a case of suicidal intoxication illustrated the time course of these visual changes.
Impact:
- Highlights the risk of digoxin-induced color vision disturbances, emphasizing dose-dependent effects.
- Provides evidence for the link between serum digoxin levels and visual impairment, crucial for patient monitoring.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the assessment and management of visual side effects in patients taking digoxin.
Abstract:
31 hospitalized patients treated with beta-methyl digoxin and 34 treated with beta-acetyl digoxin were examined for color vision disturbances and compared with a control group (n = 17). The serum digoxin concentration was determined radioimmunologically. A significant correlation (p less than 0,01) was found between the severeness of the disturbances in color vision and the concentration of digoxin in the serum. The disturbances concerned different wave length regions. The lapse of time for disturbances in the distinguishing colors is being described in a case of suicidal intoxication.