[Neurotoxicity in long-term lithium therapy: an electroneurographic study]

Wien Klin Wochenschr. 1989 Mar 3;101(5):166-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

In a series of 16 patients on long-term lithium therapy pathological changes were found in peripheral nerve conduction. Such changes correlated with the duration of lithium therapy (mean: 8.3 years, range: 3-15 years; p less than 0.05). No patient showed clinical signs of polyneuropathy or any other disease known to be frequently associated with peripheral nerve lesions. Compared with an age-matched normal control group (n = 27) the nerve conduction velocity of the sural nerve was reduced (p less than 0.05), for which a chronic neurotoxic effect is considered to be the most probable mechanism.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lithium / administration & dosage
  • Lithium / adverse effects*
  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Long-Term Care
  • Male
  • Median Nerve / drug effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Peripheral Nerves / drug effects*
  • Peroneal Nerve / drug effects
  • Reaction Time / drug effects
  • Synaptic Transmission / drug effects*

Substances

  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Lithium