Urgent lithium intoxication in geriatric patient

Czech version

Authors: Z. Štefinová
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika interní, geriatrie a praktického lékařství LF MU a FN Brno
Published in: Geriatrie a Gerontologie 2018, 7, č. 4: 174-176
Category: Case Reports

Overview

Urgent lithium intoxication in geriatric patient is relatively uncommon in clinical practice, however as the following case report shows, we must keep it in mind. Lithium is a medicine used primarily for psychiatric indications. It is used as a prophylaxis for bipolar affective disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and some sexual deviations. It is exclusively excreted by the kidneys. Prolonged half-life of elimination is observed in infants, the elderly and patients with renal insufficiency. Increased caution and careful monitoring of lithium levels is necessary in patients with mild or advanced disorder of renal impairment. Signs of intoxication are manifested in the gastrointestinal system, the nervous system, and changes to the ECG.

Keywords:

geriatric patient – intoxication

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