Key result
Postmortem DLIS concentrations ≥0.2 ng/ml were detected in 40% of patients not treated with digoxin, showing no significant difference from antemortem levels (44%).
Why the study?
Are digoxin-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS) present postmortem in patients not treated with digoxin, and do their concentrations increase after death?
Population
ICU patients not treated with digoxin
Comparison
Postmortem blood sampling at least 12 h after… vs Antemortem blood sampling from the same patients
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
at least 12 h after death
Authors
Loading...
Postmortem digoxin levels may reflect endogenous DLIS rather than administration; supports cautious forensic interpretation and leaves open mechanistic studies.
Observational
Are digoxin-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS) present postmortem in patients not treated with digoxin, and do their concentrations increase after death?
Absolute Event Rate: 40% vs 44%
Postmortem digoxin concentrations in the therapeutic range may be due to endogenous DLIS and do not necessarily indicate digoxin administration or misuse.
Bentur et al. (1999) conducted an observational in ICU patients not treated with digoxin. Postmortem state vs. Antemortem state was evaluated on DLIS concentrations ≥ 0.2 ng/ml. Postmortem DLIS concentrations ≥0.2 ng/ml were detected in 40% of patients not treated with digoxin, showing no significant difference from antemortem levels (44%).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: