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Updated: Nov 25, 2025
05:33
Solid-state Graft Copolymer Electrolytes for Lithium Battery Applications
Published on: August 12, 2013
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Lithium, an old friend and a forgotten enemy.
Cátia Figueiredo1, Joana Lemos1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, E.P.E., Viseu, Portugal.
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|December 17, 2020
Summary
Lithium (Li) treatment can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (DI), a condition of excessive thirst and urination. Discontinuing lithium and using hydration with chlorthalidone effectively treated this patient
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (DI) is characterized by polyuria and polydipsia, stemming from various causes.
- Lithium (Li) is a mood stabilizer historically used for bipolar disorder, but its prolonged use carries risks.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman with bipolar disorder on long-term lithium therapy presented with hypernatremia and DI symptoms.
- The patient's DI was diagnosed via elevated plasma osmolality, low urine osmolality, and high antidiuretic hormone levels.
- Initial treatment with hypotonic intravenous fluids was ineffective.
Findings:
- Discontinuation of lithium therapy was crucial for recovery.
- Combined treatment with hydration and chlorthalidone successfully resolved the patient's hypernatremia and DI.
- This case highlights a rare but serious side effect of prolonged lithium use.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider lithium-induced nephrogenic DI in patients with unexplained polyuria and hypernatremia.
- Awareness of lithium's potential adverse effects is vital for preventing organ damage, especially in complex psychiatric cases.
- Careful monitoring and consideration of alternative treatments are necessary for patients on long-term lithium therapy.
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