Renal Function Tests in Lithium Treated Patients - a Controlled Study

Results of renal function tests done on 36 patients on prophylactic lithium treatment are compared with those of 28 age matched individuals, also being treated for affective disorders but exposed only to neuroleptics and/or tricyclic antidepressants. 25% of the lithium treated patients had A.D.H. resistant concentration dysfunction resulting in polyuria and polydypsia. Serum lithium levels had a significant positive correlation with the daily urine volume and a significant negative correlation with the 12 hour urine specific gravity. No relationship was found between the total amount of lithium consumed or the duration of lithium treatment and the urine volume. Though a higher proportion of the lithium treated patients had proteinuria, it was only of a mild degree. Glomerular Filteration Rate and renal tubular hydrogen ion excretion were normal in both the test and control groups.