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Abstract
Background. The administration of intravenous (IV) calcium to treat hyperkalemia resulting from digoxin poisoning is considered potentially dangerous, based on a body of older literature which, in sum, reported increased cardiac glycoside toxicity with calcium administration (increased arrhythmias, higher rate of death). Objective. This pilot study sought to determine if the administration of calcium chloride when compared to normal saline would affect time to death when given to hyperkalemic, digoxin toxic swine. Methods. Digoxin IV at 0.25 mg/kg was determined to be appropriately toxic for this study. When arrhythmias consistent with hyperkalemia developed, animals were given either IV calcium chloride (CaCl) bolus (10 mg/kg, Group 1, n = 6) or normal saline volume equivalent (Group 2, n = 6). Three intervals were observed: Interval 1: time interval from digoxin administration (T0) to when ECG changes consistent with hyperkalemia developed (at which point calcium chloride or normal saline was administered); Interval 2: time interval from the development of ECG changes consistent with hyperkalemia to asystole; Interval 3: time interval from digoxin administration to asystole. Both groups were monitored for changes in heart rhythms, serum potassium levels, and time to asystole. Results. The intravenous digoxin dose of 0.25 mg/kg induced hyperkalemia, arrhythmias, and death approximately 1 h after administration in all animals studied. Group 1: Interval 1 averaged 18.75 (S.D. ± 7.96) min, Interval 2 averaged 16.75 (S.D. ± 17.17) min, and Interval 3 averaged 35.5 (S.D. ± 14.49) min range; Group 2: average Interval 1 24.8 (S.D. ± 4.71) min, Interval 2 averaged 19.5 (S.D. ± 15.92), Interval 3 averaged 44.3 (S.D. ± 13.80) minutes. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups at any time interval, Interval 1 (p = 0.43), Interval 2 (p = 0.65), Interval 3 (p = 0.40). There was no difference in serum potassium throughout the study period. Conclusion. The administration of intravenous CaCl in the setting of hyperkalemia from acute digoxin toxicity did not affect mortality or time to death at the dose administered.