digoxin and Respiratory-Distress-Syndrome

The estimation of serum digoxin is a usual method in intensive care. In a case report the detection of digoxin-like-immunoreactive-factor (DLIF) is shown, which gives false high levels. DLIF is observed in renal damage, high cardiac activity, pregnancy and newborn.

Topics: Blood Proteins; Cardenolides; Coronary Artery Bypass; Critical Care; Digoxin; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Saponins; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase

Topics: Adult; Digoxin; Dopamine; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Isoproterenol; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Stroke Volume

The possibility that cardiac failure may be an important contributory or additive factor has led to the sporadic use of digitalis in the treatment of the respiratory distress syndrome in newborn infants. To assess the value of such medication a double-blind controlled study was conducted on 196 newborn infants, using digoxin and a placebo. As a result of the findings in this study the routine use of digoxin for the prevention of the respiratory distress syndrome is not recommended. The toxic effects of digitalis are outlined.

Topics: Asphyxia Neonatorum; Digoxin; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Placebos; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; Toxicology