Treatment of Hyperkalemia in a Patient with Unrecognized Digitalis Toxicity

Abstract

Cardiac glycoside toxicity is frequently associated with hyperkalemia and dysrhythmias in patients with renal insufficiency. Two common therapeutic options for these complications (calcium and transvenous cardiac pacing) are considered contraindicated in the setting of cardiac glycoside toxicity. We present the case of a patient presenting with a pronounced bradydysrhythmia and hyperkalemia who was treated with intravenous calcium and transvenous cardiac pacing and later found to have digitalis toxicity and acute renal failure. There were no adverse events associated with the therapies. The patient received digoxin-specific Fab fragments and hemodialysis as definitive therapeutic modalities. The case and the relevant literature evaluating the interaction of calcium salts and cardiac pacing in the setting of cardiac glycoside toxicity are discussed.

Keywords :

• Digoxin
• Toxicity
• Hyperkalemia