Paradoxical behavior of serum digoxin concentrations in an anuric neonate

Serum digoxin values were determined in a newborn infant with severe heart failure and renal failure. The half-life of digoxin in the serum appeared to change, possibly the result of prolonged distribution and/or absorption owing to circulatory insufficiency, or to the accumulation of cross-reacting metabolites of digoxin in the serum. No clinical toxicity was apparent, and no cardiac arrhythmia was observed. The need for monitoring serum digoxin concentration and clinical effect in newborn infants is emphasized.