top of page
Lithium

(view full publication)

General Recommendations

  • ECTR is recommended in patients with severe Li poisoning (1D)

 

Indications

ECTR is recommended

  • If kidney function is impaired and the [Li+] > 4.0 mEq/L (1D)

  • In the presence of a decreased level of consciousness, seizures, or life-threatening dysrhythmias irrespective of [Li+] (1D)

 

ECTR is suggested

  • if the [Li+] > 5.0 mEq/L (2D)

  • If confusion is present (2D)

  • If the expected time to obtain a [Li+] < 1.0 mEq/L with optimal management is >36 h (2D)

 

Cessation of ECTR 

  • When the [Li+] < 1.0 mEq/L or clinical improvement is apparent (1D)

  • After a minimum of 6 h of ECTR if the [Li+] is not readily available (1D)

After interruption of ECTR, serial [Li+] measurements should be obtained over 12 h to determine use of subsequent ECTR sessions (1D)

Choice of ECTR

  • Intermittent hemodialysis is the preferred ECTR (1D)

  • Continuous RRT is an acceptable alternative if intermittent hemodialysis is not available (1D)

  • After initial treatment, both continuous RRT and intermittent hemodialysis are equally acceptable (1D) 

bottom of page