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Effects of lithium carbonate on leucocytes of hepatic cirrhosis patients

H A Pérez-Muñoz, J J López-Barcena, S Corona-López

    Archivos De Investigacion Medica
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Lithium carbonate significantly increased peripheral leukocyte and granulocyte levels in hepatic cirrhosis patients with low white blood cell counts. This suggests lithium may help manage granulocytopenia associated with liver cirrhosis.

    Area of Science:

    • Internal Medicine
    • Hematology
    • Hepatology

    Background:

    • Hepatic cirrhosis can lead to hypersplenism and secondary granulocytopenia, characterized by low peripheral leukocyte counts.
    • Peripheral leukopenia in cirrhosis patients can increase susceptibility to infections.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the effect of lithium carbonate on peripheral leukocyte levels in patients with hepatic cirrhosis and leukopenia.
    • To determine if lithium carbonate can safely increase white blood cell counts in this patient population.

    Main Methods:

    • A study involving 10 hepatic cirrhosis patients with leukocyte counts below 4,500/mL.
    • Administration of lithium carbonate at 90 mg daily for three weeks.
    • Weekly monitoring of total leukocytes, differential counts, platelet counts, and serum lithium levels.

    Main Results:

    • Significant increases in total leukocyte and granulocyte levels were observed after one week of lithium treatment, persisting through week three.
    • Average total leukocyte count rose from 3,400 to 4,800/mL (p<0.01), and granulocytes from 2,090 to 3,694/mL (p<0.001).
    • No correlation was found between leukocyte increase and serum lithium levels (0.28-1.32 mEq/L). Transient tremor occurred in 3 patients; 2 experienced hepatic coma.

    Conclusions:

    • Lithium carbonate effectively increases peripheral leukocytes, primarily neutrophils, in hepatic cirrhosis patients with secondary granulocytopenia and hypersplenism.
    • Lithium carbonate may be a potential therapeutic option for managing leukopenia in liver cirrhosis.
    • Careful monitoring is advised due to potential side effects like tremor and hepatic coma.

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