Lithium and the kidney: a review

The effects of lithium on renal water and electrolyte transport have generally been considered to be reversible following the cessation of lithium treatment. However, several recent reports have suggested that lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus may persist for months or even years after lithium is discontinued. In addition, a number of reports have described the development of renal insufficiency (in association with interstitial nephritis) in some patients who have been chronically treated with lithium. The authors briefly review the effects of lithium on renal tubular transport and critically examine the reports of lithium-induced renal disease.