Dosing strategies for lithium monotherapy in children and adolescents with bipolar I disorder.
2011 Jun
Journal Article
Authors:
Findling, R.L.;
Kafantaris, V.;
Pavuluri, M.;
McNamara, N.K.;
McClellan, J.;
Frazier, J.A.;
Sikich, L.;
Kowatch, R.;
Lingler, J.;
Faber, J.;
Rowles, B.M.;
Clemons, T.E.;
Taylor-Zapata, P.
Secondary:
J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol
Volume:
21
Pagination:
195-205
Issue:
3
PMID:
21663422
Keywords:
Adolescent; Antimanic Agents; Bipolar Disorder; Body Weight; Child; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Lithium Carbonate; Male; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this exploratory study was to obtain data that could lead to evidence-based dosing strategies for lithium in children and adolescents suffering from bipolar I disorder.METHODS: Outpatients aged 7-17 years meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed) were eligible for 8 weeks of open label treatment with lithium in one of three dosing arms. In Arm I, participants began treatment at a dose of 300 mg of lithium twice daily. The starting dose of lithium in Arms II and III was 300 mg thrice daily. Patients in Arms I and II could have their dose increased by 300 mg/day, depending on clinical response, at weekly visits. Patients in Arm III also had mid-week telephone interviews after which they could also have their dose of lithium increased by 300 mg per day. Youths weighing <30 kg were automatically assigned to Arm I, whereas youths weighing ≥30 kg were randomly assigned to Arm I, II, or III. Randomization was balanced by age (7-11 years, 12-17 years) and sex in approximately equal numbers. A priori response criteria were defined as a Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale score of ≤ 2 and a 50% decrease from baseline on the Young Mania Rating Scale.RESULTS: Of the 61 youths [32 males (52.5%)] who received open-label lithium, 60 youths completed at least 1 week of treatment and returned for a postbaseline assessment. Most patients had a ≥ 50% improvement in Young Mania Rating Scale score, and more than half of the patients (58%) achieved response. Overall, lithium was well tolerated. All three treatment arms had similar effectiveness, side effect profiles, and tolerability of lithium.CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, a dosing strategy in which pediatric patients begin lithium at a dose of 300 mg thrice daily (with an additional 300 mg increase during the first week), followed by 300 mg weekly increases until a priori stopping criteria are met, will be used in an upcoming randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
