The influence of lithium on calcium homeostasis in older patients in daily clinical practice.

Background: Lithium can influence calcium homeostasis resulting in changes in parathormone set point and renal calcium handling. The clinical significance of these changes in older patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible association between duration of lithium treatment and corrected calcium, parathormone and 24-h urinary calcium excretion in older psychiatric patients corrected for renal function and vitamin 25OH D and also to estimate the point prevalence of hypercalcemia and raised parathormone.

Differences in lithium use patterns in the Netherlands: comparing middle-aged and older patients in a database study.

Background: Age-dependent changes in lithium pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties can influence lithium use in an aging population, especially as newer treatment options are available.

Objective: We compared lithium use patterns between middle-aged and elderly outpatients in the Netherlands.

Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the Dutch PHARMO Record Linkage System.

Prevalence and determinants of thyroid disorders in elderly patients with affective disorders: lithium and nonlithium patients.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and determinants of thyroid dysfunction in older patients with affective disorders divided into lithium and nonlithium patients.

Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective cross-sectional study in patients of 65 years and older with affective disorders according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. The presence of thyroid disorders was determined on the index date defined as the date of the first available thyroid-stimulating hormone in 2005.