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KMID : 0361520080190030168
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Korean Journal of Psychopharmacology
2008 Volume.19 No. 3 p.168 ~ p.171
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Complete Heart Block due to Lithium Toxicity
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Jeong-Hyeon
Li Chun-Rong
Huang Guang-Biao
Yang Jong-Chul
Park Tae-Won
Chung Sang-Keun
Hwang Ik-Keun
Chung Young-Chul
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Abstract
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Lithium treatment has been associated with a wide range of cardiac complications. We observed a 53-year-old female patient who presented with complete heart block due to lithium toxicity. The patient had been diagnosed as schizoaffective disorder and had been taking a stable dose of lithium, 1,500 ㎎/day since January 2007. Recently, she begun a strict diet and experienced muscle weakness and lethargy a few days later. While receiving fluid therapy, she lost her consciousness and was transferred to an emergency medical center. An electrocardiogram revealed that she had complete heart block, so a temporary pacemaker was inserted immediately. After 4 days of intensive care, her heartbeat recovered spontaneously and the temporary pacemaker was removed. On the 11th day, she had sufficiently recovered and could ambulate by herself. Lithium levels were measured at 5.22 mEq/L and 0.66 mEq/L on the 1st and 4th day of treatment, respectively. This case illustrates the importance of educating patients and their relatives about the possible lithium toxicity caused by a strict diet.
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KEYWORD
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Lithium toxicity, Complete heart block
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