[Intravenous ketoprofen for severe lithium-induced polyuria].
BACKGROUND
Although lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, it is widely used in psychiatry because of its antipsychotic and antidepressant properties. During long-term treatment, the onset of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is common, but few cases of severe hypotonic polyuria, which would be an aggravating factor, have been reported. Appropriate treatment in such cases is an open question.


METHODS
We report a case of acute lithium poisoning in a 42-year-old man, due to chronic lithium treatment (plasma lithium=2.6 mmol/L). This patient, admitted to our intensive care unit, presented neurological disorders complicated by the early emergence of severe nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. After perfusion of hypotonic solution and intravenous treatment with ketoprofen (100 mg x 3/24 h), the polyuria improved rapidly.


CONCLUSIONS
The beneficial action of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs lies in their capacity to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Lithium causes excess production of prostaglandins, which decrease the ability of kidneys to reabsorb free water. Some publications report indomethacin to be effective in this case. Because it is available only in oral or rectal forms, however, its effect may be delayed. Our case suggests that intravenous ketoprofen, with its rapid onset of action, is effective in the treatment of severe lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Rehydration must be strictly monitored because of the risk of renal failure connected with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
Tran-Van
D
D
Département d'anesthésie-réanimation-urgences, HIA Robert Picqué, BP 28, 339898 Bordeaux Armées 33, France. tranvan.c-d@cegetel.net
Avargues
P
P
Labadie
P
P
Hervé
Y
Y
Dardare
E
E
Fontaine
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018500:Diabetes Insipidus, Nephrogenic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007660:Ketoprofen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011141:Polyuria / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D007660:Ketoprofen