Efficacy of continuous venovenous hemodialysis in the treatment of severe lithium toxicity

The syndrome of lithium toxicity, has been well described. Hemodialysis is the recommended treatment for severe toxicity. We report a case in which co ntinuous venovenous hemodialysis was used in the treatment of lithium toxic ity. The calculated average lithium clearance was 23 mL per minute, compari ng favorably with that Of normal renal clearance (20-30 mL/min) and of inte rmittent hemodialysis (50-100 mL/min). This report discusses the potential benefits of this therapy, in a hemodynamically, unstable patient who may no t tolerate hemodialysis.