Am J Psychiatry 1982; 139:443-449
Copyright © 1982 by American Psychiatric Association
Lithium and the kidney: a review
TA Ramsey and M Cox
The effects of lithium on renal water and electrolyte transport have
generally been considered to be reversible following the cessation of
lithium treatment. However, several recent reports have suggested that
lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus may persist for months or
even years after lithium is discontinued. In addition, a number of reports
have described the development of renal insufficiency (in association with
interstitial nephritis) in some patients who have been chronically treated
with lithium. The authors briefly review the effects of lithium on renal
tubular transport and critically examine the reports of lithium-induced
renal disease.
