Demographic and clinical parameters of digitalis intoxicated pediatric patients during years 2009–2010

Hundred pediatric patients were presented with acute digitalis toxicity to pediatric cardiology unit and poison control center Ain Shams University(PCCA) hospitals during years 20092010.Their sociodemographic results showed that their age groups varies from early infancy up to adolescent. Early infancy (32%),late infancy(20%), early childhood (4%), late childhood (24%) and adolescents (20%).Most were males (68%).80% of cases came from urban areas and near half of them belong to social class III (48%). Oral route of intake was the main route 64%. The clinical data showed that the indications of digitalis intake were 28% had DCM,24% had RHD,28% had CHD,12% exposed accidently to digitalis toxicity while 8% due suicidal attempts. The main presenting clinical manifestations were nausea and vomiting 72%. Followed by bradycardia (50%). There was highly significant correlation between serum digitalis level measured and serum electrolytes. The outcome of cases showed that the mean hospital stay duration was 5.6±3 days. Thirteen percent showed morbidities in the form of different types of arrhythmias as follows: PVCs (3%), Bigemeiny (3%), sinus bradycardia (3%), Torsades de points (3%) and first degree heart block (1%). 100% of cases survived with mean serum digitalis level 2.8±0.7ng/ml. No mortalities occurred. All cases recovered completely and were discharged. This reflects the efficiency of therapy and successful management in both pediatric cardiology unit and PCCA.