Lithium use - A Friend or Foe to kidney health ?
Lithium remains the most efficacious therapy for a significant proportion of patients with type 1 bipolar disorder. Despite the therapeutic advantages, the use of lithium has been decreasing at least in part because of the perceived risks surrounding its use, including the potential for nephrotoxicity with long term use.
In a recent study, researchers have reported that lithium use does not have a direct impact on the incidence of AKI. However, they noted that lithium intoxication, duration of exposure and lithium levels in the blood might increase the risk of AKI.
The study findings were presented at the Virtual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology on November 04, 2021.
A pre-clinical study has shown that lithium has a protective action against tubular injury in experimental AKI models. However, previous clinical studies have demonstrated the association between lithium and acute kidney injury (AKI) at toxic blood levels but the risk of AKI has otherwise not been well studied. Therefore, Dr Gisli Gislason and his team conducted a study to examine the risk of AKI in individuals treated with lithium.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.