Risk factors and symptoms of digoxin toxicity among patients in Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ)

In the modem era today, the incidence of digoxin toxicity has been declining for a various reasons, including a new (lower) therapeutic range, the development of more effective drug therapies for heart failure, and more accurate dosing methods. In addition, digoxin toxicity, once commonly fatal, can now be quickly and effectively treated by the emergency administration of anti-digoxin Fab fragments. But, the incidence still occur but it has been a rare event as the doctor have another drug selection for the treatment of chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation. A research had been conducted to study and learn more about the risk factors and symptoms of digoxin toxicity. Our research had been done in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) department, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ). The population was digoxin toxicity patients in HSNZ. The data and information were being collected from the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) form. The data was being recorded in the data collection form that we prepared. Additional information also being gained from the pharmacist in charge. The focus of the study was to obtain information regarding risk factors and symptoms. We relate the information and data we had to recognize the risk factors that cause the patient to had toxicity. 9 (60%) of them were males and the rest of them were females. One of them was a Chinese and the rest were Malays. Also only patient aged below 65 years old while the rest were aged more than 65 years old. The most common risk factor was older age. Next, concurrent medication, electrolyte imbalance and certain medical condition that is renal impairment. We also takes their serum creatinine reading and electrolyte reading as they can effect digoxin level. Electrolyte reading also can be imbalance because of drug that taken by the patients such as diuretics. Lastly, the result from this study can be used as the guideline and informative review for the public.