RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Renal function in patients receiving long-term lithium therapy
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 1471
OP 1474
VO 124
IS 11
A1 P. R. Uldall
A1 A. G. Awad
A1 W. O. McCormick
A1 L. B. Carter
A1 T. Gonsick
A1 C. L. Grass
A1 M. I. Kugelmass
YR 1981
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/124/11/1471.abstract
AB Renal function was assessed in 42 stable outpatients who had been taking lithium for an average of 4 1/2 years. Impaired ability to concentrate the urine was found in 61% of the 41 patients who provided a urine sample for an osmolality measurement, and a moderate reduction in creatinine clearance was present in 12% of the entire group; 1 patient showed both defects. Urine microscopy revealed an excess of cells in 40%. It is suggested that lithium therapy produces a self-limiting lesion of the distal nephron that does not usually progress to chronic renal failure. The lesion is not dangerous, except that it may predispose to acute neurotoxic effects in the event of intercurrent illness or dehydration.