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Discontinuation of maintenance digoxin therapy in general practice
Lancet (London, England)
|November 19, 1977
Summary
Many heart failure patients can stop long-term digoxin without adverse effects. This study suggests alternative management strategies may be effective for heart failure, reducing reliance on digoxin.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- General Practice
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Digoxin is a common medication for heart failure management.
- Long-term use of digoxin may carry risks and necessitate careful monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of discontinuing long-term digoxin therapy in heart failure patients.
- To assess the feasibility of managing heart failure without continuous digoxin treatment.
Main Methods:
- A review of 24 patients on long-term digoxin in a general practice setting.
- Discontinuation of digoxin in patients with sinus rhythm, with adjustments to other therapies as needed.
Main Results:
- 17 out of 18 patients in sinus rhythm tolerated digoxin discontinuation.
- No significant alteration in cardiovascular signs or symptoms was observed post-discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Heart failure can frequently be managed effectively without the need for long-term digoxin therapy.
- This approach may offer a viable alternative for selected heart failure patients, potentially reducing medication burden.