A Case of Acute Lithium Intoxication Treated with Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration / 대한신장학회지

ABSTRACT

Lithium is commonly used for the treatment of bipolar affective disorders. Lithium therapy has a narrow therapeutic window, which can lead to various neurologic, cardiovascular, and renal side effects. Dialysis is recommended for the treatment of severe lithium toxicity, but conventional hemodialysis can cause post-dialysis rebound of serum lithium level. We report a case of lithium intoxication in which continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was successfully used in reducing toxicity. CVVHDF provides excellent lithium clearance, and prevents post-therapy lithium rebound by allowing a progressive removal of intracellular lithium. It could become a modality of choice for lithium intoxication.