The effect of lithium variation coefficient on the risk of attack in patients with bipolar disorder: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: This study examines the association between the coefficient of variation (%CV) of lithium levels and episode risk and frequency in bipolar patients maintaining serum lithium levels within the therapeutic range. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with bipolar disorder under care from 2018 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were at least 2 years of follow-up, a minimum of three annual lithium level measurements within the therapeutic range. Patients were categorized based on seizure status. We calculated mean lithium levels, standard deviation (SD), and %CV. Results: The study included 75 patients (patients with-without episodes, 39–36). Demographic data revealed no significant differences. While mean lithium levels showed no significant disparity between groups, SD and %CV were notably higher in patients with episodes (P