Lithium continuation for a patient with bipolar disorder and chronic kidney disease.

Abstract

Lithium is the gold-standard treatment for bipolar disorder (BD). Long-term lithium use can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, lithium can be safely used in patients with CKD while minimizing polypharmacy and may not necessarily increase the risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD), thus maintaining mood stability. We present a case of an excellent lithium responder whose lithium was discontinued due to renal insufficiency. After mood exacerbation, lithium was resumed with good effect without continued worsening of renal function.