Lithium Li | Laboratory research

Lithium (Li) Is a monovalent alkali metal that is not normally found in the human body. As a drug, it affects the neuronal metabolism of catecholamines. It is used to suppress the manic phase as well as the frequency of manic episodes in manic-depressive psychosis. For this purpose it is taken in the form of lithium carbonate.

It is often referred to as a "mood stabilizer" and is sometimes prescribed to patients with depression who do not respond well to other medications. Lithium is completely absorbed 6-8 hours after oral administration.

Less than 10% of lithium is bound to plasma proteins and its half-life is 14-30 hours. Lithium is excreted mainly in the urine (95%). This is one of the reasons why people with kidney disease experience an increase in lithium levels due to its reduced elimination.

During long-term treatment with lithium, monitoring of indicators such as urinary osmolarity, T4, TSH, serum urea, creatinine, and serum sodium is recommended. Because lithium is a relatively slow-acting drug, its effects may become apparent after a few weeks.

The dose of the drug is adjusted until its concentration in the blood reaches the therapeutic range. For this reason, regular monitoring of lithium levels is essential to ensure that it remains consistently within this narrow range. At very low doses the drug is ineffective, and at very high doses may develop symptoms associated with its toxicity - ataxia, slurred speech, confusion, etc.

When should we test for lithium?

• Determining the therapeutic level of lithium at the beginning of lithium therapy;
• Maintain therapeutic levels of lithium during treatment;
• Determination of lithium toxicity.

How to prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required for the test.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

The therapeutic range of lithium is 0,6 - 1,2 mmol / l. Most people in this range respond to the drug without symptoms of toxicity. However, reactions and side effects are individual to each patient. Therefore, monitoring the lithium concentration promotes proper dosing of the drug.

If the level of lithium in the blood is below the therapeutic range, the dose may not be sufficient to achieve a therapeutic effect. If its level exceeds the therapeutic range and if there are significant side effects on the face, then the dose is likely to be too high. The concentration of lithium and its side effects may increase due to the loss of salt and water from the body, which may be caused by an unsalted diet, excessive sweating or a disease that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Different groups of drugs and supplements may also increase, decrease or change the lithium concentration.

Symptoms of lithium toxicity may include:

• Drowsiness, lack of energy;
• Dizziness, ataxia;
• Muscle weakness;
• Coordination disorder;
• Vague speech;
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea;
• Confusion;
• Trembling and restlessness.

Resources

https://www.synevo.ro/shop/litiu/
https://www.synevo.bg/litiy/