Effects of Long-Term Lithium Treatment on Kidney Function
This study was carried out to examine the renal function of patients receiving treatment with Li2C03. Blood and urine samples were collected to measure plasma AMG, plasma BMG, urinary ALB, urinary AMG, urinary BMG and urinary NAG. A significant correlation was found between the age at the beginning of treatment and the present age and the degree of glomerular damage. No significant correlation was found between the degree of glomerular damage and either the length of treatment or the total dose of Li2C03. A significant correlation was found between glomerular damage and the daily dose of Li2C03 or the plasma lithium concentration. A significant correlation was also noted between proximal tubular damage and the daily dose of Li2C03 or the plasma lithium concentration. It was concluded that in patients receiving with lithium age is a risk factor for glomerular damage but not for proximal tubular damage, that long-term administration is not a risk factor for glomerular or proximal tubular damage and that an increase in the dose of Li2COs or in the plasma lithium concentration represents a risk factor for glomerular damage and proximal tubular damage.
