Total Body Digoxin Clearance and Steady-State Concentrations in Low Birth Weight Infants

Abstract

Serial serum digoxin concentrations were measured over a 10-day period in 15 low birth weight infants requiring digoxin therapy [to treat patent ductus arteriosus]. The calculated total body digoxin clearance (TBDC) was highly dependent on gestational age and body weight, with dose-normalized, steady-state digoxin concentrations inversely related to the same factors. Because of the decreased TBDC in low birth weight infants, maintenance doses of digoxin in these infants should be reduced and proportional to both gestational age and body weight.