Method for prediction of serum lithium levels

Biol Psychiatry. 1988 Jun;24(2):218-24. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(88)90276-4.

Abstract

A new computer-assisted method for predicting lithium levels and consulting dosage of lithium is demonstrated. The method is based on a mathematical model describing elimination of lithium after lithium treatment of any duration and regularity. From two values of serum concentration of lithium obtained during a single day, parameters of the model are computed and used for prediction. In an evaluation study involving 20 inpatients, the results demonstrated a high correlation between predicted and observed levels (r = 0.80) and revealed no systematic error of prediction. The elimination rate of lithium in these patients was unrelated to age or to duration of previous lithium therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bipolar Disorder / blood*
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Depressive Disorder / blood*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Lithium / pharmacokinetics*
  • Lithium / therapeutic use
  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Male
  • Mathematical Computing*
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotic Disorders / blood*
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia / blood*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy

Substances

  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Lithium