It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines, and is available as a generic medication. In 2019, it was the 205th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions. Medical uses
In 1970, lithium was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of bipolar disorder, which remains its primary use in the United States. It is sometimes used when other treatments are not effective in a number of other conditions, including major depression, schizophrenia, disorders of impulse control, and some psychiatric disorders in children. Because the FDA has not approved lithium for the treatment of other disorders, such use is off-label. In mood disorders, of which bipolar disorder is one, it decreases the risk of suicide. This benefit is not seen with other medications. Bipolar disorder
Lithium is primarily used as a maintenance drug in the treatment of bipolar disorder to stabilize mood and prevent manic episodes, but it may also be helpful in the acute treatment of manic episodes. Lithium carbonate treatment was previously considered to be unsuitable for children; however, more recent studies show its effectiveness for treatment of early-onset bipolar disorder in children as young as eight. The required dosage is slightly less than the toxic level (representing a low therapeutic index), requiring close monitoring of blood levels of lithium carbonate during treatment. A limited amount of evidence suggests lithium carbonate may contribute to treatment of substance use disorders for some people with bipolar disorder.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of haemophilia C (factor XI deficiency) is centered on prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).One will find that the factor XI has decreased in the individuals body. In terms of differential diagnosis one must consider: haemophilia A, haemophilia B, lupus anticoagulant and heparin contamination. The prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time should completely correct with a 1:1 mixing study with normal plasma if haemophilia C is present; in contrast, if a lupus anticoagulant is present as the cause of a prolonged aPTT, the aPTT will not correct with a 1:1 mixing study. Treatment
In terms of haemophilia C medication tranexamic acid is often used for both treatment after an incident of bleeding and as a preventive measure to avoid excessive bleeding during oral surgery.Treatment is usually not necessary, except in relation to operations, leading to many of those having the condition not being aware of it. In these cases, fresh frozen plasma or recombinant factor XI may be used, but only if necessary.Those affected may often develop nosebleeds, while females can experience unusual menstrual bleeding which can be avoided by taking birth control such as: IUDs and oral or injected contraceptives to increase coagulation ability by adjusting hormones to levels similar to pregnancy. See also
References
Further reading
Zucker, M.; Zivelin, A.; Landau, M.; Salomon, O.; Kenet, G.; Bauduer, F.; Samama, M.; Conard, J.; Denninger, M.-H.; Hani, A.-S.; Berruyer, M.; Feinstein, D.; Seligsohn, U. (1 October 2007). "Characterization of seven novel mutations causing factor XI deficiency". Haematologica. 92 (10): 1375–1380. doi:10.3324/haematol.11526. ISSN 0390-6078. PMID 18024374.