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Hemodynamics and arrhythmia disorder caused by lithium poisoning: A case report

Yujue Wang1, Lijun Ouyang2, Xiaoqian Ma2

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders; Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha 410011. wangyujue0906@163.com.

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical Sciences
|April 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Lithium is a key treatment for bipolar disorder, but high doses can be toxic. This case highlights severe lithium poisoning symptoms and the need for careful monitoring and prompt treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Bipolar affective disorder requires mood stabilizers like lithium.
  • Therapeutic lithium levels are close to toxic concentrations.
  • Lithium toxicity can manifest with central nervous system and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Observation:

  • A patient with bipolar affective disorder experienced severe lithium poisoning.
  • Blood lithium concentration reached 6.08 mmol/L due to excessive intake of lithium carbonate sustained-release tablets and concurrent mood stabilizer use.
  • Symptoms included arrhythmia, shock, impaired consciousness, and tremors.

Findings:

  • High-dose lithium carbonate can lead to life-threatening toxicity.
  • Cardiac toxicity, though rare, is a serious complication of lithium poisoning.
  • Symptomatic supportive treatment, including hemodialysis, can be effective.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must prioritize prevention and early recognition of lithium poisoning.
  • Close monitoring of blood lithium levels is crucial for patient safety.
  • Understanding the risks associated with combined mood stabilizer use is essential.

Keywords:
bipolar affective disordercardiac arrhythmialithium carbonatelithium intoxicationsinus node dysfunction

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