Acute accidental digoxin ingestion in two children was associated with cardiac conduction abnormalities including atrioventricular (AV) block, AV dissociation, and sinoatrial block. Normal sinus rhythm or tachycardia was restored with atropine sulfate, thus implicating the vagal effects of the cardiac glycoside as the cause of the conduction disturbances.
Elevated blood serum digoxin levels were correlated with the conduction abnormalities in these patients. Serial serum digoxin levels are suggested as an aid in the management of these problems.