Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus following improved medication compliance: a case report

Abstract Background Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a rare, often underrecognized complication of long-term lithium therapy. Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus results from chronic renal exposure, leading to significant polyuria, dehydration, and hypernatremia. Case presentation We des...

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Main Authors: Eugene Annor, Ishita Bhattacharya, Mary Bass, Emily M. Horvath
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Medical Case Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05034-3
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author Eugene Annor
Ishita Bhattacharya
Mary Bass
Emily M. Horvath
author_facet Eugene Annor
Ishita Bhattacharya
Mary Bass
Emily M. Horvath
author_sort Eugene Annor
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a rare, often underrecognized complication of long-term lithium therapy. Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus results from chronic renal exposure, leading to significant polyuria, dehydration, and hypernatremia. Case presentation We describe a case of a 55-year-old White caucasian male with a schizoaffective disorder managed with lithium who presented with altered mental status and electrolyte abnormalities following a recent stroke. Evaluation revealed nephrogenic diabetes insipidus as the primary etiology, likely exacerbated by recent changes in medication adherence. The patient responded well to fluid resuscitation, reduced lithium dosage, and targeted electrolyte management. Conclusion This case underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus on chronic lithium therapy, as early recognition and treatment are essential in preventing renal impairment and improving clinical outcomes.
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issn 1752-1947
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spelling doaj-art-5a33507e3c654a24917ca9a204b981a82025-01-26T12:35:33ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472025-01-011911510.1186/s13256-025-05034-3Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus following improved medication compliance: a case reportEugene Annor0Ishita Bhattacharya1Mary Bass2Emily M. Horvath3Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of MedicineUniversity of Illinois College of MedicineUniversity of Illinois College of MedicineDepartment of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of MedicineAbstract Background Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a rare, often underrecognized complication of long-term lithium therapy. Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus results from chronic renal exposure, leading to significant polyuria, dehydration, and hypernatremia. Case presentation We describe a case of a 55-year-old White caucasian male with a schizoaffective disorder managed with lithium who presented with altered mental status and electrolyte abnormalities following a recent stroke. Evaluation revealed nephrogenic diabetes insipidus as the primary etiology, likely exacerbated by recent changes in medication adherence. The patient responded well to fluid resuscitation, reduced lithium dosage, and targeted electrolyte management. Conclusion This case underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus on chronic lithium therapy, as early recognition and treatment are essential in preventing renal impairment and improving clinical outcomes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05034-3LithiumHypernatremiaPolyuriaDiabetes insipidus
spellingShingle Eugene Annor
Ishita Bhattacharya
Mary Bass
Emily M. Horvath
Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus following improved medication compliance: a case report
Journal of Medical Case Reports
Lithium
Hypernatremia
Polyuria
Diabetes insipidus
title Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus following improved medication compliance: a case report
title_full Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus following improved medication compliance: a case report
title_fullStr Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus following improved medication compliance: a case report
title_full_unstemmed Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus following improved medication compliance: a case report
title_short Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus following improved medication compliance: a case report
title_sort lithium induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus following improved medication compliance a case report
topic Lithium
Hypernatremia
Polyuria
Diabetes insipidus
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05034-3
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AT marybass lithiuminducednephrogenicdiabetesinsipidusfollowingimprovedmedicationcomplianceacasereport
AT emilymhorvath lithiuminducednephrogenicdiabetesinsipidusfollowingimprovedmedicationcomplianceacasereport