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Lithium therapy, hypercalcemia, and hyperparathyroidism.
M E Wolf1, M Moffat, J Mosnaim
1Mental Health Services, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
American Journal of Therapeutics
|July 29, 1999
Summary
Long-term lithium treatment for bipolar disorder can cause hypercalcemia and parathyroid gland hyperplasia. This increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, necessitating regular monitoring for patients on lithium therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Lithium is a widely used mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
- It affects calcium metabolism in multiple organs, including the brain, kidneys, and heart.
- Long-term lithium use can lead to adverse effects, including hypercalcemia.
Observation:
- A patient on long-term lithium therapy developed hypercalcemia, hypertension, and severe bradyarrhythmia.
- Endocrine workup revealed hyperparathyroidism with biochemical findings distinct from primary hyperparathyroidism, suggesting direct lithium effects on the kidney.
- Parathyroid gland hyperplasia was confirmed surgically.
Findings:
- Lithium-induced hypercalcemia is associated with hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid hyperplasia.
- Discontinuation of lithium did not resolve the biochemical abnormalities.
- Cardiac arrhythmias, particularly bradycardia and conduction defects, were observed in other patients with lithium-induced hypercalcemia.
Implications:
- Lithium therapy can lead to significant endocrine and cardiac complications.
- Hypercalcemia in patients on lithium increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Regular laboratory and electrocardiographic monitoring are crucial for patients on maintenance lithium therapy.