EFFECT OF DIGOXIN ON LEFT-VENTRICULAR CONTRACTILITY IN NEWBORNS AND INFANTS ESTIMATED BY ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
- 1 January 1979
- journal article
- research article
- Vol. 9 (1) , 1-11
Abstract
The effect of a relatively low digoxin dose on left ventricular contractility in newborn infants was studied. Left ventricular ejection time, enddiastolic diameter and endsystolic diameter were measured by echocardiography before digitalization and between 2-4 h after the 1st digoxin dose (group 1: 16 patients) or after full digitalization (group 2: 12 patients). From these data, shortening fraction (SF) and mean velocity of fiber shortening (mean Vcf) were calculated. SF and mean Vcf increased significantly in both groups after the 1st digoxin dose and after full digitalization. The increase was equal in newborns and infants. The mean plasma digoxin concentration after full digitalization was 2.2 ng/ml (range 0.7-4.4 ng/ml). The positive inotropic effect of a relatively low digoxin dose was clearly demonstrated in newborns.This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Evaluation of left ventricular size and function by echocardiography. Results in normal children.Circulation, 1977
- Serum Concentration and Serum Half-Life of Digoxin in Premature and Mature NewbornsPediatrics, 1977
- INFLUENCE OF AGE ON THE SENSITIVITY OF THE GUINEA PIG AND ITS MYOCARDIUM TO OUABAIN1953