[Lithium treatment and kidney function]

Abstract

Systematic cross-sectional and longitudinal examinations of the kidney function of patients in prophylactic lithium treatment have established that the therapy, even when given for many years, does not affect the glomerular filtration rate or lead to kidney failure. Lithium treatment may induce polyuria and lowered renal concentrating ability, but these side effects do not presage deterioration of the filtration rate, and they are not dangerous if dehydration is avoided. It is now possible to revise and simplify the guidelines for laboratory monitoring of maintenance treatment with lithium.