The use of Tablo continuous veno-venous haemodialysis to rapidly remove lithium in a patient with severe lithium toxicity

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 May 15;16(5):e253467. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-253467.

Abstract

We report a case of severe, life-threatening lithium toxicity in a patient with bipolar I disorder who presented with altered mental status and acute renal failure. At admission, serum lithium level was well above toxic levels (>2 mEq/L). The signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity significantly improved after treatment with continuous veno-venous haemodialysis (CVVHD). The patient was discharged with no neurological or renal sequelae. Herein is the first case report using the Tablo CVVHD system to treat severe lithium toxicity.

Keywords: Dialysis; Mood disorders (including depression); Toxicology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bipolar Disorder* / complications
  • Bipolar Disorder* / drug therapy
  • Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Lithium / therapeutic use
  • Renal Dialysis

Substances

  • Lithium
  • Antidepressive Agents