title: [ECG changes and serum-digoxin concentration in digitalis toxicity (author's transl)].
abstract: Seventy-six patients with clinical and ECG evidence of digitalis toxicity and serum-digoxin concentrations over 2.5 ng/ml were investigated for possible correlation between certain ECG changes and the level of serum digoxin, but no correlation was found. However, radioimmunological determination of digoxin level proved to be a reliable means of deciding whether abnormalities of impulse formation or conduction were due to digitalis. In only one case (during haemodialysis) was there a fall in potassium level below normal, with signs of digitalis toxicity electrocardiographically. In five other patients with serum digoxin levels above 6 ng/ml high potassium values were found. Caution in the administration of potassium is advised: it should be given only if it is demonstrated to be below normal. Fifty-one of the patients had impaired renal function.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000506:poisoning; D004077:Digoxin / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000150:complications; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011188:Potassium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D006435:Renal Dialysis
chemical_list: D004071:Digitalis Glycosides; D004077:Digoxin; D011188:Potassium
vernacular_title: EKG-Beranderungen und Digoxin-Serumkonzentration bei Digitalisintoxikationen