Long-term lithium therapy leading to hyperparathyroidism: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
This paper reviews the effect of chronic lithium therapy on serum calcium level and parathyroid glands, its pathogenesis, and treatment options. We examined the case of a lithium-treated patient who had recurrent hypercalcemia to better understand the disease process.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare but potentially life-threatening side effect of long-term lithium therapy. Careful patient selection and long-term follow-up can reduce morbidity.


CONCLUSIONS
As much as 15% of lithium-treated patients become hypercalcemic. By routinely monitoring serum calcium levels, healthcare providers can improve the quality of life of this patient group.
Rizwan
Mian M
MM
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA. mmrizwan1@hotmail.com
Perrier
Nancy D
ND
D000368:Aged; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing; D049950:Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000451:nursing*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D016105:Parathyroidectomy / Q000451:nursing; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000451:nursing
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D002118:Calcium