Table 2 Clinical management of lithium treatment to minimize the risk of chronic kidney disease
From: Key questions on the long term renal effects of lithium: a review of pertinent data
- Regular monitoring of renal function, as measured by eGFR, every three months to yearly for most patients |
- Increase frequency of measurements in patients who show a decrease in eGFR |
- Optimally, 12 h lithium levels 0.6–0.8 mEq/L (see Nolen et al., 2019) |
- Once daily lithium administration (if in the first five years of lithium treatment) |
- Avoid lithium toxicity episodes (e.g. by regular patient and caregiver education including the risk constellations for intoxication and how to avoid it) |
- Aggressive treatment of other comorbid disorders potentially affecting renal function such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension |