Anaesthesia and intensive care
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We present a case of acute lithium intoxication in a 51-year-old woman on chronic lithium therapy. Her serum lithium level was 10.6 mmol/l 13 hours after ingestion and 5.8 mmol/l at 24 hours. ⋯ Clinical features of toxicity are more important than a spot lithium level. A combination of clinical toxicity, the duration of exposure and a serial profile of serum lithium levels should guide dialytic therapy for removal of lithium.