P-254 - Short-term effects of lithium on serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and WBC counts in hospitalized pediatric population: a retrospective naturalistic study

Objective To assess the impact of lithium treatment alone or combined with other medications on TSH levels and WBC count in hospitalized bipolar and non-bipolar children, adolescents and young adults using data extracted from electronic medical records. Method The study investigated serum TSH and WBC count in lithium treated hospitalized youth, aged 12–24 years. The study included 122 BP (N = 67) or non-BP (N = 55) disorder inpatients treated with lithium for mean duration of 173 days. TSH and WBC values were examined at baseline and at the end of the hospitalization. Subjects were divided into two groups for analysis: group 1 was treated with lithium as monotherapy and group 2 was treated with lithium combined with other psychotropic agents (polypharmacy). Results The mean end-point TSH levels were significantly higher (3.16 ± 2.68 vs 1.52 ± 0.92 mU/L, P 3 cells, P Conclusions Lithium treatment is associated with significant increase in thyrotropin levels and WBC counts in youth. Higher-baseline TSH level is associated with higher TSH levels in lithium-treated subjects. Close monitoring of thyroid functions in lithium treated children and adolescents is recommended.