What congenital condition can lithium exposure during pregnancy potentially cause?

Lithium exposure during pregnancy is associated with a specific congenital heart condition known as Ebstein anomaly. This anomaly is characterized by a malformed tricuspid valve that results in the displacement of the valve leaflets downward into the right ventricle, which can lead to a range of complications, including right heart failure and arrhythmias.

The connection between lithium and Ebstein anomaly is supported by epidemiological studies that have documented an increased incidence of this condition in infants exposed to lithium in utero. The exact mechanism behind this teratogenic effect is not completely understood, but it is thought to involve abnormalities in cardiac development due to the influence of lithium on cellular signaling pathways during the critical periods of organogenesis.

Understanding this association is crucial for healthcare providers, as it emphasizes the importance of careful management of psychiatric conditions during pregnancy and the need to weigh the risks versus benefits of lithium therapy. This knowledge is essential for monitoring and counseling expectant mothers who may require medication for mood disorders.