What question did this study set out to answer?

January 1, 1977Japanese Heart JournalOpen Access

Observation on the Effect of Digitalis on Sinus Node Function by Recording of Twenty-four Hour Continuous Electrocardiogram

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Why the study?

Does digitalis affect sinus node function in patients with paroxysmal tachyarrhythmias?

Key Points

To evaluate the chronobiological effects of digitalis on sinus node function in patients with paroxysmal tachyarrhythmias using 24-hour continuous electrocardiographic monitoring.
Monitored continuous 24-hour electrocardiograms in 5 patients (aged 42–75 years) with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (n=2) or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n=3).
Calculated sinus node recovery time (SNRT) and corrected SNRT (CSNRT) from post-tachycardia pauses, while evaluating sinoatrial conduction time (SACT) via premature atrial contractions before and after digitalis.
Both SNRT and CSNRT were prolonged in all evaluated patients after digitalis administration, with peak prolongation observed at 6:00 a.m. in one monitored case.
Second-degree sinoatrial block emerged in 2 patients during the early morning hours following digitalis administration.
Sinoatrial conduction time and corrected SACT exhibited no significant differences before versus after digitalis therapy or across diurnal cycles in the 2 tested patients.

Structured PICO

Does digitalis affect sinus node function in patients with paroxysmal tachyarrhythmias?

Population

5 patients, aged 42 to 75 years, with paroxysmal tachyarrhythmias (2 with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia [PSVT] and 3 with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation [PAf]).

Intervention

Digitalis administration

Comparator

Baseline (before digitalis administration)

Outcome

Sinus node recovery time (SNRT) and corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT)surrogate

Digitalis administration prolongs sinus node recovery time and may provoke sinus node dysfunction, including SA block, in patients with paroxysmal tachyarrhythmias.

Discussion

No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.

Implication

May warrant caution with digitalis in paroxysmal tachyarrhythmias; leaves open sinus node effects pending controlled studies.

Cite This Study

Otsuka et al. (1977) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8654305dc285e07e73a3cc https://doi.org/10.1536/ihj.18.322

Topics

Atrial fibrillation Persistent AF management

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Observation on the Effect of Digitalis on Sinus Node Function by Recording of Twenty-four Hour Continuous Electrocardiogram

Key Points

Structured PICO

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Topics

Observation on the Effect of Digitalis on Sinus Node Function by Recording of Twenty-four Hour Continuous Electrocardiogram

Key Points

Structured PICO

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Topics

Also Consider