title: Digoxin and the geriatric in-patient. A randomized trial of digoxin versus placebo.
abstract: The effects of oral digoxin and placebo in 41 geriatric in-patients were compared using a randomized, double-blind, cross-over method. The patients were in sinus rhythm or had atrial fibrillation. The observation period was two months on digoxin or placebo. Patients with symptoms of cardiac failure at rest or during light physical activity, X-ray signs of pulmonary congestion, proven need of digoxin therapy following earlier withdrawal, atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate greater than 95 beats/min and patients in whom digitalis intoxication was suspected were excluded from the study. Five (14%) of 37 patients deteriorated during the placebo phase. Four of these developed rapid atrial fibrillation and one patient developed sinus tachycardia and symptoms of heart failure.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004077:Digoxin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation
chemical_list: D004077:Digoxin