Correlation of Serum Lithium Levels and Thyroid Function Tests in Subjects of Bipolar Affective Disorder A Hospital Based Prospective Study

Background: Lithium is used in prophylaxis of long term therapy of BPAD as a mood stabilizing agent. Thyroid function abnormality is very commonly seen adverse effect, more common in females than males. This study aims to correlate lithium levels and thyroid function abnormalities associated with it. Methods and materials: Evaluation of medical records of 150 patients in Fr Muller Medical College with BPAD who were treated for 6 months with lithium, Carried out from 12-02-2014 to 20-07-2014. S. lithium levels done by Ion elective electrode method in ilyte analyzer and TFT by electrochemiluminescence. Data are analyzed by Karl Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Results: Correlation of lithium levels and TFT in BPAD patients according to Karl Pearson correlation co-efficient was negative with significant p value of 4.2 with an average lithium levels of 0.44 mEq/l and 90% of the patients with an average lithium levels 0.66 mEq/l had no thyroid function abnormalities. Conclusion: As already known lithium is a drug of narrow therapeutic index and females are more prone for thyroid function abnormalities. Appropriate monitoring of serum lithium levels will aid in necessary dose adjustment and ensure proper utilization of drug.