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Hypothyroidism and impaired renal function are well-known adverse effects of long-term lithium treatment. Lithium has also been associated with hypercalcemia, although its exact prevalence and its relationship to duration of lithium exposure are uncertain.
In a cross-sectional study, investigators examined calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in 112 adult patients (mean age, 49; 37% men) with bipolar I or II disorder. Fifty-eight patients had been taking lithium for at least 1 month (median, 36 months; mean daily dose, 731.9 mg), and 54 had no lifetime exposure to lithium.
Lithium-exposed patients had significantly higher levels of ionized calcium and PTH than nonexposed patients and had higher rates of hypercalcemia (defined as ioniz…