Osteopenia and dysregulation of divalent cations in lithium-treated patients.
The bone mineral content (BMC) in both forearms (highly correlated to total body calcium) was measured by photon absorptiometry in a representative sample of manic depressive patients receiving lithium treatment. The mean BMC values were 93% of normal, and the mean increases in serum levels of calcium and magnesium were 2mg/l. The incidences of osteopenia, hypercalcaemia and hypermagnesaemia were 16, 12, and 30%, respectively. These results indicate that lithium-treated manic depressive patients have a disturbance in the mineral metabolism, be it due to the disease or the treatment given.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D008094:Lithium; D008274:Magnesium; D002118:Calcium