Abstract

In this research, the effects of using lithium on biochemical factors of urinary beta-2 microglobulin, creatinine and urea serum in chronic bipolar patients hospitalized in Razi psychiatric center are investigated. For this purpose, random sampling method was used and among hospitalized patients in Tehran's Razi psychiatric center. Then 87 patients were selected and urinary beta-2 microglobulin tests by ELISA method, urea and blood serum by enzymatic method measured in 42 bipolar patients (including 18 females - 24 males) that using lithium and 45 bipolar patients (including 21 females - 24 males) that using drugs other than lithium. According to studies, lithium-treated bipolar patients have a substantially greater urine beta-2 microglobulin concentration than individuals who are not lithium-treated (Pvale> 0.028). The results demonstrated that the longer time of using lithium will cause higher amount of urinary beta-2 microglobulin secretion (Pval> 0.027). Also, the results showed that the value of creatinine and urea serum were not significantly different between two groups. Finally, it seems that urinary beta- 2 microglobulin is a better indicator than urea and creatinine serum to evaluate the side effects of primary kidney damages caused by lithium, and its main role in diagnosis of the disease requires further researches in this field.