A MOLD man died after levels of lithium in his body reached toxic levels, an inquest heard.

Michael David Williams, of Cedar Grove in Mold, died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on January 11 this year.

Resuming an inquest into his death at Mold on Wednesday, coroner John Gittins said the 66-year-old charity volunteer had been born in Bangor and grew up in Conwy.

He read a statement from Mr Williams’ daughter-in-law Beverly Perkins, in which she said he had bipolar, diabetes and liver cirrhosis.

She said her father-in-law had been spending time with his grandson on December 22 when it was noticed his speech had become slurred.

An ambulance was called and Mr Williams was taken to hospital.

Doctors later discovered the level of lithium in Mr Williams’ system was high.

The court heard how he had been taking lithium medication on a long term basis, as well as an anti-psychotic medication, and regular tests and screenings had not raised any concerns.

Mr Williams’ lithium intake was stopped from December 24, following which the level of it in his body did reduce.

But his overall condition did continue to deteriorate and he became unresponsive.

A post mortem examination by Dr Andrew Dalton found the medical cause of Mr Williams’ death to be a lower respiratory tract infection caused by lithium toxicity with coma.

Tests also found deterioration in Mr Williams’ kidney function.

Mr Gittins said: “This is a natural terminal disease. But the reason for the lithium toxicity appears to have arisen not because of unnatural events, overdose or not being monitored.

“It appears his kidney function has resulted in the toxicity of the lithium.”

The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion, telling the hearing: “On December 22 the deceased was admitted to Wrexham Maelor Hospital where it was discovered that despite being appropriately medicated and monitored regarding the use of lithium, levels in his system were toxic.

“His condition continued to deteriorate which led to him becoming unresponsive and potentiated the development of the chest infection to which he succumbed on January 11.”