Related Experiment Videos
Lithium's effect of parathyroid hormone
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Lithium treatment may lead to biochemical hyperparathyroidism by increasing parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. This study found higher PTH in patients taking lithium, suggesting a link between lithium and altered calcium and phosphate metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lithium is a common treatment for bipolar disorder.
- Previous reports suggest lithium affects calcium and phosphate metabolism.
- Lithium may influence parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion.
Observation:
- Serum calcium was elevated and serum phosphate lowered in patients receiving lithium.
- Urinary calcium excretion was increased in these patients.
- PTH levels were measured in 19 patients on lithium therapy.
Findings:
- Patients receiving lithium showed significantly higher PTH levels compared to normal subjects.
- Serum calcium concentrations correlated significantly with serum lithium concentrations.
- These findings suggest lithium may induce biochemical hyperparathyroidism.
Implications:
- Lithium use may cause or exacerbate hyperparathyroidism.
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a potential complication in patients with lithium nephrotoxicity.
- Monitoring PTH and calcium levels in patients on lithium is recommended.