Lithium and Thyroid Complications
Monograph
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Course Summary
Lithium is a psychotropic drug that is established as an effective treatment for mania and the maintenance of bipolar disorder. While lithium is an effective treatment, it is well known to have adverse effects across many organ systems. Endocrinopathies, including thyroid abnormalities, are among the most common complications found with lithium treatment. This review will cover the effects of lithium on the physiology of the thyroid gland and the more common thyroid abnormalities associated with lithium use. In addition, it will discuss lithium and its use in special population groups, such as children and the elderly, as well as monitoring and treatment guidelines for lithium-induced thyroid abnormalities.
Course Objectives
Describe the effects of lithium on the physiology of the thyroid gland
Identify common thyroid abnormalities associated with lithium use
Compare monitoring and treatment guidelines for lithium-induced thyroid abnormalities
Identify recommendations when prescribing lithium to specific population groups (e.g., children and elderly patients)
I. Introduction
II. To Treat or Not to Treat? A Clinical Conundrum
III. Lithium-induced Thyroid Dysfunctions
1. Lithium-Induced Goiter
2. Lithium-Induced Hypothyroid
3. Lithium-Induced Hyperthyroid
4. Lithium-Induced Autoimmune Thyroiditis
5. Lithium-Induced Hypercalcemia
6. Special Populations
7. Concomitant Use of Anticonvulsants
IV. Monitoring Guidelines for Lithium-Induced Thyroid Dysfunctions
V. Treatment Options for Lithium-Induced Thyroid Dysfunctions
1. Lithium-Induced Goiter
2. Lithium-Induced Hypothyroid
3. Lithium-Induced Hyperthyroid
4. Lithium-Induced Autoimmune Thyroiditis
5. Lithium-induced Hypercalcemia
VI. Case Study: Lithium-induced Hyperthyroidism
Discussion
VII. Summary
- Read the course objectives and faculty planner disclosure
- Read the course material
- Complete the post-test with a minimum score of 70% and complete the course evaluation form.
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Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in the development of this activity: Douglas Evans, APRN, PMHNP-BC, and Susan DePasquale, MSN, PMHNP-BC. There are no financial relationships relevant to this activity to report or disclose by any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits. Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby. Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.
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- Target Audience: Pharmacist
- Contact Hours: 1.0 (0.1 CEUs)
- Activity Release Date: 12/14/2022
- Activity Expiration Date: 12/14/2025
- Activity Type: Knowledge
- UAN: 0669-0000-22-078-H01-P
- Topic: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
- CeBroker Number: 20-930483
Author:
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