In a porcine model of acute digoxin toxicity published in 2004, how did the researchers decide when to administer the intervention drug (either CaCl or NS)?
When they saw changes on the ECG consistent with hyperkalemia appeared [defined as doubling of either T-wave height or QRS complex width when compared with the individual pigs’ baseline ECG.
Hack JB, Woody JH, Lewis DE, Brewer K, Meggs WJ. The effect of calcium chloride in treating hyperkalemia due to acute digoxin toxicity in a porcine model. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2004;42(4):337-342. doi:10.1081/clt-120039538
Contributed by Juhi Varshney MD EM PGY3 UMiami/Jackson Memorial Hospital on behalf of the Florida Poison Information Center Network
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