Controlled lithium discontinuation in bipolar patients with good response to long-term lithium prophylaxis.
J Affect Disord
; 80(2-3): 269-71, 2004 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15207941
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This study aims to investigate whether the risk of recurrence following lithium discontinuation is less than reported in discontinuation of a successful, long-term prophylaxis in bipolar patients.METHODS:
A total of 32 bipolar patients discontinued lithium according to the controlled lithium discontinuation (CLD) protocol following a definite good response to lithium maintenance of at least 5 years. Subjects were followed for up to 9 years.RESULTS:
The total rate of recurrence was 7% in the first week, 32% in the first month, 62% in the first year, and 81% at the end of the 9th year following discontinuation. Only six of the 32 patients (19%) did not have a recurrence during the follow-up period.CONCLUSIONS:
Discontinuation of lithium seems to be followed by a high rate of recurrence in bipolar patients even after good response to a long-duration illness-free period. A controlled discontinuation protocol can reduce the risks of morbidity.
Buscar en Google
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Antipsicóticos
/
Trastorno Bipolar
/
Carbonato de Litio
Tipo de estudio:
Clinical_trials
/
Diagnostic_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Affect Disord
Año:
2004
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Turquía