Irreversible silent

Abstract

Objectives

Lithium is a well-known substance used in treatment of mood disorders. It has a narrow therapeutic index with recognised adverse effects on renal and thyroid function. Clinical guidelines published by the national institute for health and clinical excellence in the United Kingdom (NICE) recommend renal and thyroid function checks before lithium is prescribed, as well as ongoing monitoring of renal function, thyroid function and serum lithium levels. Lithium-induced drug toxicity is frequently seen in clinical practice. While the ongoing monitoring serves to monitor reversible side effects of Lithium provided its discontinued, rarely patients develop a persistent neurological side effect known as a syndrome of irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity (SILENT).

Method

This is a case report on a patient where the patient developed SILENT syndrome after being treated with Lithium, long term for bipolar disorder.

Results

This case supports the biological mechanism of SILENT syndrome. It also caused a huge implication in the patient's care.

Conclusions

As clinicians, we are well aware of following treatment guidelines for Lithium. This case report was written to raise awareness regarding a “SILENT” albeit significantly debilitating syndrome of Lithium use.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.