Objective: To evaluate the frequency and severity of lithium intoxication in calls to the Czech Toxicological Information Centre (TIC).
Method: A 4-year retrospective study (2000-2003) of cases of lithium intoxication. Analysis of data from the database of the TIC and hospital discharge reports: sex, age, dose, blood level and biochemical markers of nephrotoxicity, symptoms, treatment and outcome of intoxication.
Results: The TIC received 70 calls concerning lithium intoxication, but only 27 discharge reports from hospitals were obtained and evaluated. Calls concerning women (16, median age 43.5 years) were more frequent than calls concerning men (11, median age 51.0 years). 16 patients had central nervous system or neurological symptoms. Signs of nephrotoxicity were present in 10 patients. Nine patients had cardiovascular symptoms. Possible interactions with other drugs during chronic overdoses were present in 14 patients. Six patients died due to lithium intoxication.
Conclusion: Lithium intoxication remains a serious problem in calls to the TIC. Severe symptoms mainly developed in older patients. Drugs significantly potentiating toxic reactions to lithium should be avoided.