A patient taking lithium may develop renal failure over time. The risk is small but failure to detect a deterioration in renal function early can be devastating for the patient.
Risk factors for renal failure in a patient being treated with lithium:
(1) older age (>= 50 years of age)
(2) high lithium levels (accumulation or overdosage)
(3) failure to monitor renal function
(4) history of previous renal dysfunction associated with lithium therapy
(5) comorbid conditions affecting renal function (diabetes, other)
(6) concurrent therapy with a diuretic (which may be a marker of comorbid disease)
(7) concurrent therapy with a nephrotoxic drug
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