Lithium Study Summary For Clinicians

Study: “Brain Lithium Levels in Bipolar Individuals”

Principal Investigator: Chris Streeter, M.D.

Study Coordinator: Cindy Xi

Collaborating Institutions: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
McLean Hospital

We are requesting your help in referring appropriate patients to our study. The study is currently approved by the IRBs of both Boston University and McLean Hospital.

SUMMARY OF STUDY
1) There is evidence that therapeutic serum lithium levels are related to effective treatment outcomes.

2) Na-Li countertransport may affect neuronal levels of lithium and ultimately influence response to lithium treatment.

3) Lower erythrocyte Na-Li countertransport parameters in Blacks of African descent have been well-documented, and could result in a higher brain:serum lithium ratio compared to Caucasian controls.

We hypothesize that lower Na-Li countertransport in the brain would result in higher brain to serum lithium ratios that would correlate with improved treatment outcome, or high rates of side effects.

The principal aim of our study is to determine the utility of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in determining differences in brain-to-serum lithium ratios in Blacks of African descent compared to Whites of Western European descent. This is an exciting study, as its findings may improve our ability to provide psychiatric care in a manner sensitive to racial/ethnic differences.

COMPENSATION/CONTACT INFORMATION
Study participants will receive a total of $120.00 for two short visits. Please contact Cindy Xi at cindy.xi@bmc.org or 617-638-8046.