Which parameter is NOT typically monitored with Lithium therapy?

In the context of lithium therapy, monitoring is critical to ensure both therapeutic effectiveness and patient safety. The correct choice is liver function tests, as they are not routinely monitored during lithium treatment.

Lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys and has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that it is essential to monitor certain parameters closely to avoid toxicity. Electrolytes are important because lithium can affect sodium levels, which can, in turn, impact lithium levels in the body. Weight is monitored since weight gain is a common side effect of lithium therapy. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (T3) are also closely monitored, as lithium can cause hypothyroidism in some patients.

Liver function tests, however, are not a standard part of routine monitoring for patients on lithium. This is because lithium’s pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action primarily involve its impact on renal and thyroid function rather than hepatic metabolism. Therefore, while it is important to monitor the other parameters, liver function tests do not hold the same level of relevance in the context of lithium therapy.