Why different trials on digitalis give conflicting data.

Taking a careful look at each of the outcomes measured in randomized, controlled trials of digoxin suggest that discrepancies in results may be more apparent than real. Digoxin does work, but clinically important benefit is restricted to a relatively small proportion of congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. The play of chance, the dose of digoxin used, and the severity of heart failure in patients enrolled in the studies are other factors that may explain the variability in results that were observed. A systematic examination of the sort undertaken here is likely to help resolve apparent difference in outcomes of clinical trials of new (and old) therapies in CHF patients.