[Lithium in the therapy of hematologic diseases in childhood]

The literature as well as the author's data of this topic are reviewed. Lithium stimulates myelopoesis in vitro, especially via CSF-production. This effect is associated with a modulation of cyclic nucleotides. Lithium stimulates leukemic cell lines too. However, according to epidemiological data lithium does not play an etiological role in leukemia. Furthermore, lithium does not stimulate several tumor cell lines in culture. The effect of cytostatic drugs as well as remission rates are not lessened by lithium. In spite of increased production the functions of the granulocytes are not impaired. Because of the wide range of serum level variation serum level determinations are mandatory. To treat hematological disorders a serum level between 0.7 and 1.2 mmol/l should be achieved. Flame emission photometry and atomic absorption photometry are equivalent methods for determination of the serum level. CNS, thyroid gland, kidney, electrolyte balance, gastrointestinal tract have to be monitored for side effects. Lithium therapy has not be given in pregnancy and to breast feeding mothers. In neutropenia with increased susceptibility to infections lithium therapy including serum level monitoring can be given. Lithium reduces leukopenia and infections following cytotoxic chemotherapy for solid tumors. Current pediatric studies are investigating whether patients with chemotherapy induced neutropenia benefit from this effect in terms of increased and prolonged remission rates.