Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Implementation of a Real-Time Psychosis Risk Detection and Alerting System Based on Electronic Health Records using CogStack
Published on: May 15, 2020
Lithium usage and renal function testing in a large UK community population; a case-control study
Jo Minay1, Raymond Paul, Deirdre McGarvey
1Department of Psychiatry, Windsor House, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast.
Objective:
This study investigates the prevalence of lithium use, monitoring practice and associated effects on renal function in a large UK community sample.
Method:
A large population-based renal function database was cross-referenced with a general practitioner database of 404,673 patients. The renal function of patients prescribed lithium during the 2-year period was compared with that of matched controls. The renal monitoring patterns of these cases were investigated in a naturalistic observational study. Data underwent parametric testing - continuous variables by analysis of variance, with appropriate adjustment, and categorical outcomes by χ(2) testing. Block analysis of variance was undertaken on case-control data.
Results:
A total of 422 patients in the database were prescribed lithium. Renal function monitoring in accordance with published guidelines occurred in 69% of patients. Patients taking lithium had a significantly higher serum creatinine (5.8 μmol/L, P<.001) and lower glomerular filtration rate (5.9 ml/min, P<.001) when compared to matched controls.
Conclusions:
This is the first study carried out in a large community sample. Lithium remains widely prescribed in the community setting. The study confirms that lithium has a statistically and clinically significant negative effect on renal function. Despite published guidelines and recognition of the importance of serial measurements, monitoring of renal function is inconsistent.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion
Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate Based on Serum Creatinine Concentration
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview