Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40851725›Full record

ArticleCureus2025

Endocrine and Metabolic Challenges of Long-Term Lithium Therapy: Diagnostic and Management Considerations.

Stylianos Kopanos, Joachim Feldkamp

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Stylianos KopanosAcademic Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Infectiology, Klinikum Bielefeld, Medical School and University Medical Centre East Westphalia-Lippe Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, DEU.
Joachim FeldkampAcademic Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Infectiology, Klinikum Bielefeld, Medical School and University Medical Centre East Westphalia-Lippe Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, DEU.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Lithium is a key treatment for bipolar disorder but is associated with significant endocrine and metabolic side effects, particularly lithium-induced hyperparathyroidism (LIH). Characterized by hypercalcemia and inappropriately normal or elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, LIH can lead to skeletal complications such as osteoporosis. Managing this condition is particularly challenging in psychiatric patients due to adherence issues with follow-up care. We describe the case of a 56-year-old Caucasian female patient with bipolar disorder on long-term lithium therapy (16 years), presenting with recurrent hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, and osteoporosis. Symptoms included fatigue, depression, and cognitive difficulties. Laboratory tests confirmed hypercalcemia (2.8 mmol/L), normal PTH (47.5 pg/mL), and vitamin D deficiency (11.8 ng/mL). Imaging identified a parathyroid adenoma and osteoporosis. Parathyroidectomy failed to resolve hypercalcemia, which persisted at 2.6 mmol/L. Lithium discontinuation led to calcium normalization and improved bone density (8.2% increase in lumbar spine measurements). However, follow-up imaging revealed a small epithelial adenoma, raising concerns about further surgical intervention. Management was complicated by poor adherence to follow-up care. This case highlights the complexities of diagnosing and managing LIH, particularly in patients with psychiatric comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinology and psychiatry is essential to optimize treatment while balancing lithium's therapeutic benefits against its risks. Further research is needed to refine surgical strategies, calcimimetic therapy, and long-term follow-up protocols for effective management.

Indexed as

calcimimeticshypercalcemialithium-induced hyperparathyroidismnephrogenic diabetes insipidusosteoporosis

Identifiers

PMID40851725
PMCPMC12369994

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.