Osteopenia and dysregulation of divalent cations in lithium-treated patients.

The bone mineral content (BMC) in both forearms (highly correlated to total body calcium) was measured by photon absorptiometry in a representative sample of manic depressive patients receiving lithium treatment. The mean BMC values were 93% of normal, and the mean increases in serum levels of calcium and magnesium were 2mg/l. The incidences of osteopenia, hypercalcaemia and hypermagnesaemia were 16, 12, and 30%, respectively. These results indicate that lithium-treated manic depressive patients have a disturbance in the mineral metabolism, be it due to the disease or the treatment given.