Falsely elevated serum digoxin levels secondary to endogenous digoxin-like immunoreactive substances.

Abstract

Endogenous digoxin-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS) are produced by the human body and can be significantly elevated in specific clinical conditions. Commercially available digoxin assays do not have the specificity to fully distinguish DLIS from exogenous digoxin, though DLIS do not possess the same therapeutic properties as do the drug. The resultant artificial elevation of a reported digoxin level or a completely factitious level in a patient not taking the drug can have clinically significant consequences.