Increased bromide levels in serum and hair during lithium treatment.

The concentration of bromide was measured by neutron activation analysis in samples of serum from 32 patients on maintenance lithium carbonate and from 32 age- and sex-matched controls. Whole blood and hair samples were also taken for analysis from a number of patients and controls. Bromide levels were found to be significantly higher in serum and hair of patients on lithium carbonate than in controls. The possible effects of this increase and the mechanisms causing it are discussed.