J Heart Stroke | Volume 2, Issue 4 | Review Article | Open Access

Intoxication Digitalique

Benaich FA^*, Kheyi J, Charaf N, Lakhal Z and Zbir E

Department of Cardiology, Hospital Military Instruction Mohamed V, Morocco

^*Correspondance to: Benaich FA 

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Abstract

Despite being very familiar with digitalis, its use always asks for particular attention. Therapeutic index is narrow increasing the risk of intoxication. Digitalis intoxication shows itself in electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities that can lead to arrhythmia potentially fatal and in different signs and symptoms that are not specific. The treatment is based on the patient risk level. Treatment associated to low- risk situations will include temporary suspension of the therapy, ECG, followup and electrolytic supplements if necessary. The administration of agents such as phenytoin, lidocaine, atropine and/or the installation of a pacemaker can proved to be necessary in the presence of significant dysrythmia. Finally, the administration of DigiFab^® (antibody fragments specific for digoxin) is indicated in cases where other advance or used treatments proved to be inappropriate and for the treatment of arrhythmia potentially fatal. However, since the cost of a DigiFab® treatment is very expensive, its use must be justified.

Keywords:

Arhythmia; Digoxin; Digitalis; Intoxication; Immunotherapy

Citation:

Benaich FA, Kheyi J, Charaf N, Lakhal Z, Zbir E. Intoxication Digitalique. J Heart Stroke. 2017; 2(4): 1028.