A Comparison of Digitalis Intoxication in Two Separate Periods

Digitalis intoxication

“…In this circumstance, the term 'PAT with block' has been used. 25 The importance of PAT with block induced by digitalis was emphasized because the arrhythmia was often found in serious underlying heart disease with a high mortality.22' 32 Although the frequent occurrence of digitalis-induced PAT with block is emphasized repeatedly, its average incidence is only about 10%4 of the total digitalis-induced cardiac arrhythmias.2' 3,11,12,14,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] This author2 found twelve instances of atrial tachycardia with A-V block (Fig. 3) and three instances without A-V block among 180 cases with digitalis intoxication.…”

“…The average incidence of second degree A-V block by different series is estimated to be 11.2, 3,11,12,14,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] Among second degree A-V block, Wenckebach (Mobitz type-I) A-V block is more common than 2: 1 A-V block (Fig. 12).…”

“…When ventricular premature contractions become frequent, particularly multifocal or bidirectional ones, ventricular tachycardia may develop producing unidirectional or bidirectional tachycardia or even ventricular fibrillation. The average incidence of ventricular tachycardia has been estimated to be 10% of all digitalis-induced arrhythmias.2 3,11,12,14,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] If ventricular tachycardia persists, there is always the possibility of the development of ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. The mortality of patients with digitalis-induced ventricular tachycardia is extremely high (68-100%).…”

Diagnostic de l’intoxication digitalique et son traitement

“…3° L'influence du sexe sur la toxicité de la digitale n'est pas établie en clinique [38] alors qu'expérimentalement le temps d'in toxication par la Digoxine est plus long chez la lapine [110,111].…”

Influence of serum digoxin concentration measurements on frequency of digitoxicity

“…In numerous reported series of hospitalized patients treated with digitalis glyeosides, the incidenee of intoxieation has ranged between 10% and 20%. 4,6,10,11 In arecent prospeetive study, 23% of digitalis-treated patients were definitely digitoxie on admission to a medieal service. 1 relatively smalI.…”