Mitigating acute skin rashes and nausea from lithium

Swartz, Conrad M.; Holkesvick, Reid

doi:10.1016/0010-440x(81)90088-2

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…This observation adds to the limited anecdotal literature on adverse cutaneous reaction during lithium treatment. The manifestation of the lesion appeared similar to that described in previous reports (Swartz and Holkesvick 1981; Wang and Yang 2013). However, differently from most of previously published reports, our clinical case strongly suggests causality between the use of lithium and the onset of the skin reaction, particularly in light of the reoccurrence of the maculopapular rash following drug re-challenge.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Cutaneous adverse reaction during lithium treatment: a case report and updated systematic review with meta-analysis

Pinna

Manchia

Puddu³

et al. 2017

Int J Bipolar Disord

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ObjectivesTo present a new case of adverse cutaneous reaction during lithium treatment and to update the systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence of this adverse reaction.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search (performed in September 2016) for peer-reviewed articles in English indexed in Medline (2011-present). Meta-analytical estimates were obtained using the “Metafor” package.Case presentationMs. H., a 31-year-old Caucasian woman with BD1, was admitted to the inpatient unit for a full-blown psychotic episode and treated with carbamazepine 400 mg q.d., lithium carbonate 450 mg q.d., and risperidone 4 mg q.d. with clinical improvement. After 12 days from the start of psychopharmacological treatment, she manifested a cutaneous reaction that motivated the stop of carbamazepine treatment, as well as the increase in lithium carbonate dose (750 mg q.d.). Risperidone dose remained unvaried. Since the skin lesion persisted after 8 days from withdrawal of carbamazepine, the private practitioner stopped also lithium carbonate treatment (de-challenge), maintaining risperidone treatment. The cutaneous reaction resolved spontaneously after six days from withdrawal of lithium carbonate. Subsequently, the worsening of psychopathological conditions motivated a new admission during which lithium carbonate was reintroduced (16 days after its suspension) (re-challenge). On the following day, we observed an itching erythematous maculopapular rash involving the trunk, the four limbs, and the oral mucosa.ConclusionsOur case of an erythematous maculopapular rash during lithium treatment was the first to present a challenge–de-challenge–re-challenge sequence that suggests causality. Although meta-analysis does not point to an increased rate of adverse skin reaction during lithium treatment, clinicians should not neglect to monitor cutaneous symptoms during lithium treatment.

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