Do digitalis glycosides still have a role in congestive heart failure?
It is apparent that the use of digitalis preparations, particularly digoxin, is important in patients with systolic left ventricular dysfunction, cardiomegaly, and congestive heart failure. Several historic studies suggest benefit, but more recently completed, well-designed, clinical trials have convincingly demonstrated that worsening congestive heart failure can be prevented and exercise capacity increased with digoxin. The precise dose and subsequent serum drug concentration giving the best safety-efficacy profile have not yet been determined. Importantly, the effect of digoxin on mortality is unknown. However, from a theoretic standpoint, this drug may fare well in ongoing mortality-end point clinical trials. The answer to the question, "Do digitalis glycosides still have a role in congestive heart failure?" is, therefore, absolutely!
Young
J B
JB
Multiorgan Transplant Center, Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
D004071:Digitalis Glycosides