Thorax
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effect of digoxin on global respiratory muscle strength after cholecystectomy: a double blind study.
Upper abdominal surgery has been shown to impair the function of the respiratory muscles. In addition, controversial results have been reported concerning the effect of digoxin on the diaphragm. The aim of this study was to investigate further the mechanism(s) of respiratory muscle dysfunction after cholecystectomy and the effect of digoxin on the impaired respiratory muscle function. ⋯ Digoxin improves the impaired global strength of the inspiratory and expiratory muscles after cholecystectomy and this may be clinically relevant. Muscle contractility could play a part in this impairment.