Lithium: long-term effects on the kidney. I. Renal function in retrospect

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lithium is a widely used mood stabilizer.
• Long-term lithium therapy can impact renal function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional and morphological effects of long-term lithium treatment on kidney function.
• To assess the correlation between lithium dosage schedules and renal function parameters.

Main Methods:

• A functional-morphological follow-up study involving 46 patients treated with lithium for an average of 8 years.
• Kidney biopsies and functional tests were performed during a 12-day hospitalization.

Main Results:

• Tubular function was significantly affected, with 85% of patients showing increased urine volume and decreased renal concentration capacity.
• Glomerular function remained largely unaffected, with only 10% exhibiting reduced glomerular filtration rates.
• Both urine volume and glomerular filtration rates correlated with the dosage schedule, with single daily doses showing less impact than divided doses.

Conclusions:

• Lithium treatment significantly influences tubular kidney function.
• A single daily lithium dosage schedule minimizes adverse effects on kidney function compared to divided doses.
• Discontinuity in lithium administration may reduce its nephrotoxic potential.