Tolerability of lithium: A naturalistic discontinuation study in older inpatients (≥60 years).

Objectives: Lithium is one of the most effective treatment options in both bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression. The use of lithium in older patients declined during the last decades, probably resulting in undertreatment of older patients. To investigate how well lithium is tolerated in old age, we aimed to determine the frequency, reasons, and possible predictors of discontinuation due to adverse effects in a cohort of inpatients ≥60 years who had started with lithium.

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.

Age as a determinant of instability of serum lithium concentrations.

Background: Lithium is used both in bipolar disorder and as augmentation in treatment-resistant unipolar depression. Long-term treatment is often indicated. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in older age, as well as increasing comorbidities and polypharmacy, could result in instability of serum lithium concentrations.

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.

Renal effects of long-term lithium therapy in the elderly: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To determine the effect of long-term lithium therapy on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and maximum renal concentrating capacity (Umax) in the elderly, to identify possible risk factors, to determine the clinical impact of a reduced Umax in this population and in case of polyuria to establish a diagnosis.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 48 outpatients of 65 years or over (mean 74.8 years), who were treated with lithium for more than 6 months (mean 9.