Take Home Points
- Lithium toxicity comes in a three flavors: acute, chronic and acute on chronic. Each form will have a different presentation as well as management.
- Lithium levels are often unreliable in terms of guiding management and must be taken in context with symptoms and time of ingestion (in acute overdose).
- IV fluids are a cornerstone of management as increasing intravascular volume and increasing renal elimination are critical.
- Hemodialysis is indicated for a lithium level > 5 mEq/L or a level > 4 mEq/L in a patient with renal failure. However, dialysis decisions should be made in conjunction with a toxicologist.
REBEL Core Cast 93.0 – Lithium Toxicity
Post Peer Reviewed By: Salim R. Rezaie, MD (Twitter: @srrezaie)
The post REBEL Core Cast 93.0 – Lithium Toxicity appeared first on REBEL EM - Emergency Medicine Blog.