[Long-term treatment with lithium and renal function. A review and reappraisal]

Systematic cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on the effect of lithium treatment have been carried out over the last decade on large numbers of patients. The outcome of the studies is clear and consistent: Lithium treatment does not, not even when given for many years, lead to any change in the glomerular filtration rate, let alone to renal failure. Rises of urine volume and falls of renal concentration ability may occur, but they do not signal deterioration of glomerular function. The fear of eventual kidney insufficiency as a result of long-term lithium treatment can be set at rest.