Persistent Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus after Lithium Carbonate

Excerpt

Lithium salts are effective in the management of manicdepressive psychosis. The margin of safety with their use is low so that significant side-effects may occur even when blood levels are in the therapeutic range. Among these complications are nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which to date has been described as transient and reversible within weeks of cessation of treatment (1). The case reported herein is noteworthy in that diabetes insipidus persisted 20 months after the last chronic exposure to lithium carbonate.

A 54-year-old man with a history of manic-depressive psychosis since age 19 had been treated with electroshock, insulin shock, tranquilizers, and