Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy
Published on: July 14, 2023
Hypercalcaemia, hyperparathyroidism, and their associated factors among lithium users in a psychiatric clinic in Hong
S H W Chong1, S Y Chow1, W W H Chui2
1Department of Psychiatry, Kowloon Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Insights
Hypercalcaemia affects 20.2% of Chinese lithium users, linked to diabetes and longer lithium use. Regular calcium monitoring is crucial for managing lithium-associated hypercalcaemia and preventing severe health issues.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Endocrinology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Lithium is a common mood stabilizer in psychiatric care.
- Hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism are potential side effects of lithium treatment.
- Undiagnosed cases can lead to serious health complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hypercalcaemia in Chinese lithium users.
- To identify factors associated with hypercalcaemia in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 238 Chinese outpatients using lithium was studied.
- Data collected included patient interviews, medical records review, and blood tests.
- Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for hypercalcaemia.
Main Results:
- 20.2% of patients had hypercalcaemia; 16.7% of those also had hyperparathyroidism.
- Hypercalcaemia was associated with diabetes mellitus (AOR=2.89), cumulative lithium duration (AOR=1.08), and serum lithium levels (AOR=5.45).
Conclusions:
- Lithium-associated hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism are frequently undetected.
- Regular monitoring of calcium levels is recommended, especially for patients with diabetes, longer lithium use, and elevated lithium levels.
- Early detection and management are vital to prevent adverse outcomes like cardiovascular mortality.
Objectives:
To investigate the prevalence of hypercalcaemia and its associated factors among Chinese lithium users in a psychiatric clinic in Hong Kong.
Methods:
Chinese outpatients aged ≥18 years who were treated with lithium and followed up at the Department of Psychiatry, Kowloon Hospital, between 1 September 2023 and 30 June 2024 were identified. Eligible patients were interviewed, and their medical records were reviewed. Blood tests for renal and thyroid functions, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and levels of serum calcium, albumin, and lithium were ordered. A blood test for serum lithium levels was typically taken 12 hours after lithium use. In patients with hypercalcaemia, an additional blood sample was taken to measure parathyroid hormone and vitamin D levels. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for hypercalcaemia.
Results:
Of 238 patients included, 48 (20.2%) had hypercalcaemia, of whom eight (16.7%) also had hyperparathyroidism. Hypercalcaemia was independently associated with diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.89, p = 0.011), cumulative duration of lithium use (AOR = 1.08, p < 0.001), and serum lithium levels (AOR = 5.45, p = 0.048).
Conclusion:
Lithium-associated hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism are often undetected. When left unmanaged, these conditions can lead to cardiovascular mortality, cerebrovascular impairment, and premature death. Therefore, calcium levels should be regularly monitored, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus, a longer cumulative duration of lithium use, and higher serum lithium levels.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction