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Liang J, van den Bout CJ, Bosch TM, Mitrov-Winkelmolen L. Delayed Lithium Reintoxication in a Case of Severe Multidrug Intoxication: A Case Study. Ther Drug Monit 2023; 45:576-578. [PMID: 37253457 PMCID: PMC10497200 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000001099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The authors present a case of severe multidrug intoxication following massive ingestion of lithium, nortriptyline, aripiprazole, lorazepam, and temazepam. After initial treatment, serum lithium levels decreased significantly. However, 28 hours post ingestion, recurrent elevated lithium levels were observed, and serum lithium level increased 0.71 mmol/L in 12 hours. The intensivist consulted a hospital pharmacist about this. After administering clearance-inducing therapy using continuous venovenous hemodialysis, the lithium level was reduced to a long-lasting nontoxic level. The occurrence of secondary elevation in lithium levels exceeding the toxic limit in cases of massive ingestion of lithium tablets, whether in combination with anticholinergic drugs, should be anticipated. Close monitoring and prompt initiation of clearance-inducing therapy can improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Liang
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tessa M. Bosch
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- MaasstadLab Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Zyoud SH, Waring WS, Sweileh WM, Al-Jabi SW. Global Research Trends in Lithium Toxicity from 1913 to 2015: A Bibliometric Analysis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 121:67-73. [PMID: 28064463 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lithium salts have been used to treat psychiatric disorders since the 1940s and are currently used in prophylaxis and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess lithium toxicity-related publications using bibliometric approaches from a health point of view to assess global research trends in the lithium toxicity field to offer guidance to future research in this field. The data were retrieved from the online version of Scopus database on 6 August 2016. All records with the term 'lithium' in the title were retrieved, and those related to lithium toxicity were evaluated. There were a total of 1241 publications related to lithium toxicity published from 1913 to 2016. Articles (971 or 78.2%) were the most common type, followed by letters (179 or 14.4%) and reviews (61 or 4.9%). The annual publication of articles increased slightly after 1950 and the total number of publications related to lithium toxicity fluctuated with three peaks occurred in 1978, 1985 and 2014. The USA was the predominant country (25.38%), followed by the UK (7.82%), France (6.85%) and Canada (3.55%). Denmark had the highest productivity of publication after standardization by gross domestic product and population size. The average number of citations per article was 9.24, and the h-index for all publications in the field of lithium toxicity was 46. The highest h-index value was achieved by the USA (31) followed by the UK (21) and Canada (13). The Lancet was the highest ranked journal with 27 articles, followed by American Journal of Psychiatry with 23 articles. This study provides a bibliometric analysis on the global research trends in lithium toxicity studies during 1913-2015. There has been a progressive increase in the number of publications related to lithium toxicity published in the last decade, and most of the studies related to lithium toxicity arose from the USA and the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa'ed H Zyoud
- Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC), College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - W Stephen Waring
- Acute Medical Unit, York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York, UK
| | - Waleed M Sweileh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Samah W Al-Jabi
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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3
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Baird-Gunning J, Lea-Henry T, Hoegberg LCG, Gosselin S, Roberts DM. Lithium Poisoning. J Intensive Care Med 2016; 32:249-263. [DOI: 10.1177/0885066616651582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Lithium is a commonly prescribed treatment for bipolar affective disorder. However, treatment is complicated by lithium’s narrow therapeutic index and the influence of kidney function, both of which increase the risk of toxicity. Therefore, careful attention to dosing, monitoring, and titration is required. The cause of lithium poisoning influences treatment and 3 patterns are described: acute, acute-on-chronic, and chronic. Chronic poisoning is the most common etiology, is usually unintentional, and results from lithium intake exceeding elimination. This is most commonly due to impaired kidney function caused by volume depletion from lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus or intercurrent illnesses and is also drug-induced. Lithium poisoning can affect multiple organs; however, the primary site of toxicity is the central nervous system and clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic supratherapeutic drug concentrations to clinical toxicity such as confusion, ataxia, or seizures. Lithium poisoning has a low mortality rate; however, chronic lithium poisoning can require a prolonged hospital length of stay from impaired mobility and cognition and associated nosocomial complications. Persistent neurological deficits, in particular cerebellar, are described and the incidence and risk factors for its development are poorly understood, but it appears to be uncommon in uncomplicated acute poisoning. Lithium is readily dialyzable, and rationale support extracorporeal treatments to reduce the risk or the duration of toxicity in high-risk exposures. There is disagreement in the literature regarding factors that define patients most likely to benefit from treatments that enhance lithium elimination, including specific plasma lithium concentration thresholds. In the case of extracorporeal treatments, there are observational data in its favor, without evidence from randomized controlled trials (none have been performed), which may lead to conservative practices and potentially unnecessary interventions in some circumstances. More data are required to define the risk–benefit of extracorporeal treatments and their use (modality, duration) in the management of lithium poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Baird-Gunning
- Department of General Medicine, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Tom Lea-Henry
- Department of Renal Medicine, The Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Lotte C. G. Hoegberg
- Department of Anesthesiology, Danish Poisons Information Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sophie Gosselin
- Department of Medicine and Emergency Medicine, McGill University & Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre Antipoison du Québec, Québec, Canada
- Province of Alberta Drug Information Service, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Darren M. Roberts
- Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, The Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Drug Health Clinical Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Vodovar D, El Balkhi S, Curis E, Deye N, Mégarbane B. Lithium poisoning in the intensive care unit: predictive factors of severity and indications for extracorporeal toxin removal to improve outcome. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2016; 54:615-23. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2016.1185110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Decker BS, Goldfarb DS, Dargan PI, Friesen M, Gosselin S, Hoffman RS, Lavergne V, Nolin TD, Ghannoum M. Extracorporeal Treatment for Lithium Poisoning: Systematic Review and Recommendations from the EXTRIP Workgroup. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 10:875-87. [PMID: 25583292 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.10021014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisoning Workgroup was created to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of extracorporeal treatments in poisoning. Here, the EXTRIP workgroup presents its recommendations for lithium poisoning. After a systematic literature search, clinical and toxicokinetic data were extracted and summarized following a predetermined format. The entire workgroup voted through a two-round modified Delphi method to reach a consensus on voting statements. A RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method was used to quantify disagreement, and anonymous votes were compiled and discussed in person. A second vote was conducted to determine the final workgroup recommendations. In total, 166 articles met inclusion criteria, which were mostly case reports, yielding a very low quality of evidence for all recommendations. A total of 418 patients were reviewed, 228 of which allowed extraction of patient-level data. The workgroup concluded that lithium is dialyzable (Level of evidence=A) and made the following recommendations: Extracorporeal treatment is recommended in severe lithium poisoning (1D). Extracorporeal treatment is recommended if kidney function is impaired and the [Li(+)] is >4.0 mEq/L, or in the presence of a decreased level of consciousness, seizures, or life-threatening dysrhythmias irrespective of the [Li(+)] (1D). Extracorporeal treatment is suggested if the [Li(+)] is >5.0 mEq/L, significant confusion is present, or the expected time to reduce the [Li(+)] to <1.0 mEq/L is >36 hours (2D). Extracorporeal treatment should be continued until clinical improvement is apparent or [Li(+)] is <1.0 mEq/L (1D). Extracorporeal treatments should be continued for a minimum of 6 hours if the [Li(+)] is not readily measurable (1D). Hemodialysis is the preferred extracorporeal treatment (1D), but continuous RRT is an acceptable alternative (1D). The workgroup supported the use of extracorporeal treatment in severe lithium poisoning. Clinical decisions on when to use extracorporeal treatment should take into account the [Li(+)], kidney function, pattern of lithium toxicity, patient's clinical status, and availability of extracorporeal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Decker
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - David S Goldfarb
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Paul I Dargan
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Marjorie Friesen
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Sophie Gosselin
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Robert S Hoffman
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Valéry Lavergne
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Thomas D Nolin
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material
| | - Marc Ghannoum
- Due to the number of contributing authors, the affiliations are provided in the Supplemental Material.
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Abstract
AbstractIn treatment of manic-depressive conditions long-term lithium therapy may be combined with an effective and relatively safe antidepressant venlafaxine. Combined overdose may increase the risk of early toxicity of both drugs and of delayed lithium intoxication, responding to symptomatic and renal replacement therapy. We present a patient with combined lithium and venlafaxine self-poisoning with nothing but delayed signs of lithium intoxication with the emphasis on early and late treatment. 41-year old woman attempted suicide by large amount of lithium and venlafaxine. On admission she was asymptomatic, but with increased serum lithium over 5mmol/L. After gastric lavage, active charcoal and laxative administration she was receiving IV fluids. After a delay of 63 hours she deteriorated acutely by disorientation, confusion, fasciculation and tremor and was readmitted to Intensive care unit. In spite serum lithium decreased to 2mmol/L clinical signs were attributed to delayed lithium intoxication. After symptomatic and renal replacement therapy the patient’s condition improved after few days. We conclude that decontamination procedures are effective in particular for venlafaxine poisoning. If increased serum lithium levels are noted renal replacement therapy may be started even in asymptomatic patients as delayed lithium intoxication is most likely after few days.
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Bretaudeau Deguigne M, Hamel JF, Boels D, Harry P. Lithium poisoning: the value of early digestive tract decontamination. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2013; 51:243-8. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2013.782409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Schmitt C, Furet Y, Perrotin D, Paintaud G. [Acute lithium intoxications, review of the literature and cases study]. Therapie 2009; 64:55-63. [PMID: 19463253 DOI: 10.2515/therapie/2009010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of lithium in the prevention of bipolar disorders is now well established. However, acute lithium intoxications still occur, often after suicide attempts. Symptoms are often different from one patient to the other, and long lasting neurologic sequelae may happen. Active treatments are available, notably haemodialysis, which increase lithium clearance dramatically. We report cases quoted in the department of intensive care of Tours University Hospital over the last three years and compared them with the literature. Lithium level and treatment of these intoxications were analysed. Although new medicines are available for the treatment of bipolar disorders, lithium is still an important drug in this disease, therefore, the prescribers have to be aware of the consequences of acute lithium intoxications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Schmitt
- CHRU, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Hôpital Bretonneau, Tours Cedex 01, France
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9
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Evaluation of available treatment guidelines for the management of lithium intoxication. Ther Drug Monit 2009; 31:247-60. [PMID: 19057466 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0b013e318190cc26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Intoxications with lithium carry considerable risk for long-term morbidity and even mortality. Consequently, any patient suspected of lithium intoxication requires immediate and appropriate care. The objectives of this study were to assess the completeness and the applicability of generally available treatment guidelines for the management of patients with a lithium intoxication and, hence, to provide general recommendations for improvement of existing treatment guidelines. Nineteen treatment guidelines originating from 7 different countries were gathered by searching the Internet, online databases, and textbooks and by contacting different poison information centers and university medical centers. A list of items was composed from the retrieved treatment guidelines and a further literature search. Most relevant items were present in the various guidelines. However, in some guidelines, essential information was missing or potentially hazardous information was provided. Clarity, presentation, and applicability of the guidelines, as assessed using parts of the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation instrument, were relatively poor. Regular updates of treatment guidelines should be performed to incorporate new essential information. To improve applicability of guidelines, unambiguous key recommendations, alternative treatments, and special care requirements should be provided and authors are recommended to test treatment guidelines using a panel of less experienced caregivers in a hypothetical case scenario.
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Suwalsky M, Fierro P, Villena F, Sotomayor CP. Effects of lithium on the human erythrocyte membrane and molecular models. Biophys Chem 2007; 129:36-42. [PMID: 17532553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2007.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2007] [Revised: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 05/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism whereby lithium carbonate controls manic episodes and possibly influences affective disorders is not yet known. There is evidence, however, that lithium alters sodium transport and may interfere with ion exchange mechanisms and nerve conduction. For these reasons it was thought of interest to study its perturbing effects upon membrane structures. The effects of lithium carbonate (Li+) on the human erythrocyte membrane and molecular models have been investigated. The molecular models consisted in bilayers of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE), representing classes of phospholipids located in the outer and inner monolayers of the erythrocyte membrane, respectively. This report presents the following evidence that Li+ interacts with cell membranes: a) X-ray diffraction indicated that Li+ induced structural perturbation of the polar head group and of the hydrophobic acyl regions of DMPC and DMPE; b) experiments performed on DMPC large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) by fluorescence spectroscopy also showed that Li+ interacted with the lipid polar groups and hydrophobic acyl chains, and c) in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies on intact human erythrocytes the formation of echinocytes was observed, effect that might be due to the insertion of Li+ in the outer monolayer of the red cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Suwalsky
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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Borrás-Blasco J, Sirvent AE, Navarro-Ruiz A, Murcia-López A, Romero-Crespo I, Enriquez R. Unrecognized delayed toxic lithium peak concentration in an acute poisoning with sustained release lithium product. South Med J 2007; 100:321-3. [PMID: 17396741 DOI: 10.1097/01.smj.0000257619.25995.c4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A 32-year-old female with a history of bipolar disorder was admitted after taking approximately 16 g of an extended-release lithium carbonate formulation in an attempted suicide. Five hours after consumption, the lithium serum level was 3.2 mEq/L. Fourteen hours after consumption, the lithium level was 5.1 mEq/L and the patient was asymptomatic. Due to a level > 4 mEq/L, the patient was transferred to a renal medicine service for hemodialysis. The lithium concentration 6 hours after the hemodialysis was 2.54 mEq/L. Thirty seven hours after the consumption (15 hours after hemodialysis), lithium levels increased up to 6.09 mEq/L. A second hemodialysis session was performed, which successfully reduced the serum lithium concentration to 1.86 mEq/L. Lithium levels 85 hours after the consumption were 0.61 mEq/L and the patient was transferred to the Psychiatry Department. Unrecognized delayed toxic peak lithium concentration may appear in an acute poisoning with a sustained release lithium product. Therefore, patients presenting with acute intoxication with extended release formulations should be managed with caution, and continued drug monitoring is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Borrás-Blasco
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital de Sagunto, Avda Ramon y Cajal s/n, Sagunto 46520, Valencia, Spain.
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Abstract
Lithium salts have been used in the prophylaxis and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder for >50 years. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, and several well characterised adverse effects limit the potential usefulness of higher doses. Acute ingestion in lithium-naive patients is generally associated with only short-lived exposure to high concentrations, due to extensive distribution of lithium throughout the total body water compartment. Conversely, chronic toxicity and acute-on-therapeutic ingestion are associated with prolonged exposure to higher tissue concentrations and, therefore, greater toxicity. Lithium toxicity may be life threatening, or result in persistent cognitive and neurological impairment. Therefore, enhanced lithium clearance has been explored as a means of minimising exposure to high tissue concentrations. Although haemodialysis is highly effective in removing circulating lithium, serum concentrations often rebound so repeated or prolonged treatment may be required. Continuous arteriovenous haemodiafiltration and continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration increase lithium clearance, albeit to a lesser extent than haemodialysis, and are more widely accessible. Haemodiafiltration sustained for >16 hours allows effective removal of total body lithium, thereby avoiding rebound effects. Enhanced elimination should be considered in patients at greatest risk of severe poisoning: namely those with chronic or acute-on-therapeutic toxicity, those with clinically significant features, and those with chronic toxicity whose serum lithium concentration is >2.5 mmol/L. The choice between haemodialysis and continuous haemodiafiltration techniques will depend on local accessibility and urgency of enhancing lithium elimination. Further research is required to establish the potential benefits of assisted elimination on clinical outcome in patients with lithium poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Stephen Waring
- Scottish Poisons Information Bureau, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Borrás Blasco J, Murcia López A, Romero Crespo I, Sirvent Pedreño A, Navarro Ruiz A. Intoxicación aguda por comprimidos de liberación sostenida de carbonato de litio. A propósito de un caso clínico. FARMACIA HOSPITALARIA 2005; 29:140-3. [PMID: 16013937 DOI: 10.1016/s1130-6343(05)73650-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the case of a patient who ingested 50 sustained release lithium carbonate 400 mg tablets, and reached a late peak concentration above 3 mEq/L. CASE REPORT A 32-year-old male with bipolar mood disorder ingested 50 sustained-release lithium carbonate tablets. Upon admission to the emergency room, a gastric wash was performed,from which several tablet remnants were obtained, as well as an intestinal lavage using activated carbon. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION good general status, no fever, blood pressure 160/90 mm Hg, no edemas. Neurologic, pulmonary, and cardiac examinations were normal. CBC and the chemistry panel were normal. The patient's psychopathological examination suggested a stable status with no apparent manifestations arising from a decompensated mood disorder. Five hours after his massive lithium ingestion the drug's plasma levels were 0.75 mEq/L. At 22 hours post-ingestion a chemistry panel was obtained, which showed serum creatinin at 1.38 mg/dL and a lithium plasma concentration of 3.15 mEq/L. A hemodyalisis trial was attempted for 4 hours. At 73 hours post-ingestion, lithium plasma levels were 0.6 mEq/L, that is, within therapeutic range. The patient was hemodynamically stable and serial blood tests were normal; he was discharged. COMMENT Acute lithium intoxication with plasma levels above 3 mEq/l can be fatal or result in irreversible neurologicsequelae in almost one third of cases, with persistent cerebellar dysfunction in association with dementia of variable degree, andrenal, blood, and liver disturbances. Sustained-release tablets may prolong absorption and delay peak plasma concentrations. In such cases, therefore, it is recommended that drug plasma concentrations be monitored during 48-72 hours post-ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Borrás Blasco
- Servicio de Farmacia, Sección de Nefrología, Hospital General Universitario, Elche, Alicante.
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Zimmerman JL. Poisonings and overdoses in the intensive care unit: General and specific management issues. Crit Care Med 2003; 31:2794-801. [PMID: 14668617 DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000100123.50896.f0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide current information on general and specific interventions for overdoses likely to require intensive care. DESIGN Review of literature relevant to selected interventions for general management of overdoses and specific poisons. RESULTS The benefit of interventions to decrease absorption or enhance elimination of toxins is limited to a relatively small number of specific agents. Antidotes and certain interventions may be helpful in preventing or treating toxicity in specific poisonings when used appropriately. Intensive supportive care is also necessary to achieve good outcomes. CONCLUSION Knowledge of the indications and limitations of current interventions for poisonings and overdoses is important for care of the critically ill poisoned patient.
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de Haro L, Roelandt J, Pommier P, Prost N, Arditti J, Hayek-Lanthois M, Valli M. [Aetiologies of lithium overdose: 10-year experience of Marseille poison centre]. ANNALES FRANCAISES D'ANESTHESIE ET DE REANIMATION 2003; 22:514-9. [PMID: 12893375 DOI: 10.1016/s0750-7658(03)00138-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lithium is used for control of bipolar disorders. In order to precise the different circumstances at the origin of poisonings, the authors present the cases of lithium intoxication observed in the Marseille poison centre between January 1991 and December 2000. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. METHODS Three hundred and four cases were observed during the studied period (1 patient a case), concerning 6 different circumstances. For 3 of them, the symptoms were mild: accidental ingestion with children (13 cases); mistakes on the quantities of ingested tablets (43 cases); elevation of lithium blood level due to diuretic therapy (8 cases). For 2 other circumstances, the clinical signs were more severe: treated patients who developed renal failure (15 cases, 6 patients managed in intensive care unit [ICU], 1 death) or dehydration (35 cases, 8 patients treated in ICU and 1 death). Finally, the most severe cases were collected with suicide attempts. Fifty-six percent of the patients were managed in ICU, 5% needed haemodialysis, 10% had cardiac (repolarization disturbances) or neurological (seizures) complications, 2% died. CONCLUSION The severity of lithium poisonings depends of the circumstances. Ingestion of high quantities of sustained released tablets is the most dangerous situation. Accidental ingestion, even with children, must be considered as less severe situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L de Haro
- Centre antipoison, hôpital Salvator, 249, boulevard Sainte-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France.
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Menghini VV, Albright RC. Treatment of lithium intoxication with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration. Am J Kidney Dis 2000; 36:E21. [PMID: 10977814 DOI: 10.1053/ajkd.2000.16224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Lithium intoxication is an important complication of its frequent use and narrow therapeutic index. Intermittent hemodialysis has been the treatment of choice when emergent extracorporeal lithium clearance is indicated, but postdialysis rebound elevations in lithium concentration with recurrent toxicity have been documented. We report a case of intentional acute on chronic lithium intoxication in which continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration was successfully used. This modality offers the advantage of slow sustained removal of lithium without hemodynamic instability or rebound elevations in lithium concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Menghini
- Mayo Graduate School of Medicine and the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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Abstract
Most patients on chronic maintenance lithium therapy become toxic at some point during their therapy. Lithium intoxication portends morbidity and mortality. The serum lithium concentration can be used as an adjunct to a physician's clinical acumen in diagnosing and managing the patient with lithium intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Sadosty
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- R T Timmer
- Department of Physiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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Scharman EJ. Methods used to decrease lithium absorption or enhance elimination. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY. CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 1997; 35:601-8. [PMID: 9365427 DOI: 10.3109/15563659709001240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review current methods, well documented and investigational, being used to decrease lithium absorption or enhance lithium elimination. METHODS The basic science and clinical literature on lithium were reviewed by a comprehensive Medline search from 1984 to 1996. Additional references were identified by reviewing the reference citations from the results of the Medline search. RESULTS Prevention of Absorption: Whole bowel irrigation has been demonstrated to be an effective means of enhancing lithium removal from the gastrointestinal tract. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate resin administration has been shown to be effective in binding lithium elimination in animal and human models. However, the lower limits of effective sodium polystyrene sulfonate dosing and the extent of potassium lowering in humans are questions that need to be answered before sodium polystyrene sulfonate resin can be recommended for routine, use. Enhancement of Elimination: Saline or forced diuresis is not effective in enhancing lithium elimination unless the patient is volume or sodium depleted. The use of continuous arteriovenous hemodiafiltration or low dose dopamine to enhance lithium elimination has only been documented in case reports. Intravenous aminophylline (theophylline) is not consistently effective and its risks outweigh possible benefits. The literature supports hemodialysis as a well documented and effective means of enhancing lithium elimination. Controversy exists over the appropriate indications for its initiation. DISCUSSION Given the wide interpatient variability in lithium pharmacokinetics, single case reports do not provide sufficient evidence of the effectiveness of a given method to enhance
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Scharman
- West Virginia Poison Center, Charleston 25304, USA.
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