Exposure to SARS-CoV-2, Acute Kidney Injury, and Lithium Toxicity

In this podcast, Dr. Melvin McInnis discusses lithium toxicity in individuals with bipolar disorder who were infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Lithium is an effective long-term management strategy for treating bipolar disorder, but because acute kidney damage can be a complication of COVID-19, the body's ability to process lithium may be affected. Based on his case report study, coauthored by Dr. Anastasia Yocum and published in the September-October 2022 issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dr. McInnis urges proactive monitoring for signs of diminished kidney functions to avoid levels of toxicity, especially during the pandemic.