TY - JOUR T1 - Renal function in patients receiving long-term lithium therapy JF - Canadian Medical Association Journal JO - CMAJ SP - 1471 LP - 1474 VL - 124 IS - 11 AU - P. R. Uldall AU - A. G. Awad AU - W. O. McCormick AU - L. B. Carter AU - T. Gonsick AU - C. L. Grass AU - M. I. Kugelmass Y1 - 1981/06/01 UR - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/124/11/1471.abstract N2 - 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. ER -