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Renal function after long term treatment with lithium
M K Dhar1, M S Bhatia, P Agrawal
1Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, New Delhi - 1.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Long-term lithium prophylaxis for manic depressive psychosis can affect kidney function. Regular renal assessments are crucial even with normal serum lithium levels to prevent progressive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lithium is a common treatment for manic depressive psychosis.
- Long-term lithium use may impact renal function.
- Monitoring kidney health is essential for patients on lithium therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate renal functions in patients with manic depressive psychosis on long-term lithium prophylaxis.
- To compare renal function between lithium-treated patients and those on other psychotropic drugs.
Main Methods:
- Studied 30 patients on lithium prophylaxis and 15 controls on other psychotropic drugs.
- Assessed urine output, urinary osmolality after fluid deprivation, and creatinine clearance.
- Analyzed the ratio of urinary and serum creatinine and uric acid excretion.
Main Results:
- Some patients on lithium showed increased urine output and impaired urinary osmolality.
- Three patients had creatinine clearance below 70 ml/min.
- Lithium group had significantly lower urinary/serum creatinine ratio and increased uric acid excretion.
Conclusions:
- Long-term lithium therapy, even within normal serum levels, is associated with altered renal function markers.
- Regular renal function monitoring is recommended for patients on lithium prophylaxis to detect and prevent potential kidney damage.
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