Exploring the clinical factors affecting lithium dose and plasma level and the effect of brand.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Optimal use of lithium involves adjustment of the dose, to keep the plasma level within the narrow, recommended range. Brand-specific prescribing has long been considered critical to achieving this aim, but this is a convention based on very limited data.

Objectives

To explore the effect of selected demographic and clinical factors on the relationship between lithium dose and plasma level and determine whether there is an independent effect of lithium brand.

Design

Analysis of clinical audit data collected in 2023 as part of a quality improvement programme addressing the use of lithium, conducted by the Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health.

Methods

Data were collected from clinical records using a bespoke proforma, submitted online and analysed

SUBMITTER: Paton C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11481060 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature