Efficacy and effectiveness of anti-digoxin antibodies in chronic digoxin poisonings from the DORA study (ATOM-1)

Context: We hypothesized that in chronic digoxin toxicity, anti-digoxin antibodies (Fab) would be efficacious in binding digoxin, but this may not translate into improved clinical outcomes. Objective: This study aims to investigate changes in free digoxin concentrations and clinical effects on heart rate and potassium concentrations in chronic digoxin poisoning when anti-digoxin Fab are given. Materials and methods: This is a prospective observational study. Patients were recruited if they have been treated with anti-digoxin Fab for chronic digoxin poisoning. Data was entered into a standardised prospective form, supplemented with medical records. Their serum or plasma was collected, analysed for free and bound digoxin and free anti-digoxin Fab concentrations. Results: From September 2013 to February 2015, 36 patients (median age, 78 years; 22 females) were recruited from 18 hospitals. Median heart rate (HR) was 49 beats/min. Initial median digoxin and potassium concentrations were 4.7 nmol/L (3.6...