Abstract
A previous study concerning beta-methyldigoxin (BMD) in the elderly has suggested that serum glycoside concentration (SGC) can be predicted based on the daily dosage of BMD and serum albumin (Alb). From 73 elderly inpatients receiving BMD, we have derived the equation to predict SGC based on the daily dosage of BMD/body weight (=dosage/BW), serum creatinine (Scr), and Alb using stepwise forward multiple regression analysis as follows:
SGC=1.3+318 (dosage/BW)-0.25/Scr -0.22Alb
where SGC is in ng/ml, dosage in mg/day, BW in kg, Scr in mg/dl, and Alb in g/dl . The adjusted multiple correlation coefficient between the actual and predicted SGC was 0.829, and adjusted coefficient of determination was 0.687. This indicated that 69% of the variability in actual SGC could be explained by the three predictors of dosage/BW, 1/Scr, and Alb. As is expected, 1/Scr is considered to reflect renal clearance of BMD. On the other hand, it remains unknown as to what Alb specifically represents . Further studies are needed regarding the impact of Alb on SGC.
