COMPARISON OF LITHIUM RATIO BETWEEN AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND CAUCASIAN BIPOLAR PATIENTS

Lithium RBC/plasma ratio (LR) was studied in 34 bipolar subjects on th erapeutic doses of lithium carbonate. The sample was divided into 22 C aucasians and 12 African-Americans to observe possible ethnic differen ces in LR as previously reported. The latter group demonstrated a high er LR as well as increased reports of side effects (p <.05), even afte r controlling previous confounding factors. Our findings suggest that African-Americans may be more susceptible to the side effects associat ed with lithium treatment, and consequently, lower dosages may be nece ssary for this group.