On the problem of optimum digitlaization in man
Lampe, D.; Lampe, H.; Berwing, K.; Parsi, R.A.; Mai, I.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmacy 16(8): 380-383
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0340-0026 PMID: 689798 Document Number: 136670
The low therapeutic index of cardiac glycosides requires an optimum individual digitalization. This is also a difficulty in the case of known serum glycoside concentrations because individual differences of biochemical and physiological factors (which influence both therapeutic and side effects), are important. As a rule the physician's criterion for an optimum digitalization is that side effects are avoided. A measure for the effect of glycosides by noninvasive recording of parameters of myocardial contractility (systolic time intervals, STI) was investigated. The measurements were made under oral digitalization with digoxin (Dilanacin). The serum glycoside concentration was determined by the radioimmunoassay method. The changes in STI were investigated in the range of 1-3 ng digoxin/ml serum. In this concentration a significant correlation was demonstrated between STI shortening and glycoside level. The shortening of STI was maximum at the lowest concentration (1 ng/ml). Apparently, the control of STI is a useful aid for optimum digitalization in man.