title: Beta2-microglobulin adsorption column reduces digoxin trough level during hemodialysis: three case reports.
abstract: We have previously reported that a beta2-microglobulin adsorption column for the treatment of dialysis-related amyloidosis decreased serum digoxin concentration in renal failure patients. Because the distribution volume of digoxin is high, it is uncertain whether the repetitive use of this column influences the pharmacokinetics of digoxin in renal failure patients. We have observed 3 renal failure patients whose trough serum digoxin concentrations were significantly reduced by the repetitive use of tandem beta2-microglobulin adsorption columns for treatment of dialysis-related amyloidosis. These patients experienced symptomatic elevation of their heart rates in parallel with a significant reduction in serum digoxin concentrations. Termination of the use of the adsorption column improved the symptoms in 1 patient; however, severe arthritic pain caused by amyloidosis relapsed. Dosage of digoxin was increased in 2 other patients with continuous treatment by the column. Their digoxin concentrations increased, and their heart rates decreased without any deterioration of joint pain. We have demonstrated that the repetitive use of the beta2-microglobulin adsorption column in tandem with standard hemodialysis actually decreases trough digoxin concentration in renal failure patients. Careful monitoring and alteration of digoxin dosage regimens are needed under these circumstances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan. tsuru@jichi.ac.jp
authors.forename: Shuichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tsuruoka
authors.forename: Michi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wakaumi
authors.forename: Hisashi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: Hitoshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ando
authors.forename: Tetsuo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Akio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fujimura
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000628:therapy; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000097:blood*; D004077:Digoxin / Q000097:blood*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D004077:Digoxin