Use of lithium in dialysis patients???
The question I'm about to ask may raise eyebrows, but I have a very difficult patient case right now.
I have a patient with bipolar affective disorder, who is still acutely manic despite trials of several mood stabilizers at therapeutic doses. This patient was originally on lithium, however thanks to some nephrotoxic effects of this is now on hemodialysis.
I'm still looking at other options for her, but one of my colleagues in psychiatry asked if it was possible to go back to lithium, since it actually was the most effective for her. Needless to say I have many reservations about this (especially given the fact it contributed to her being on dialysis), which is why I'm asking if anyone else has done this with success. I've seen some snippets of info where lithium has been used in dialysis, but I just want further info before I even think about suggesting a trial of this. I emphasize again I would only consider this a last line treatment.
Thanks!
Amanda
