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Diabetes insipidus - central

Central diabetes insipidus

 

Central diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that involves extreme thirst and excessive urination.

Causes

 

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is an uncommon condition in which the kidneys are unable to prevent the excretion of water. Diabetes insipidus is a different disease than diabetes , though both share common symptoms excessive urination and thirst.

Central diabetes insipidus is a form of DI that occurs when the body has a lower than normal amount of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is also called vasopressin . ADH is produced in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus . It is then stored and released from the pituitary gland. This is a small gland at the base of the brain.

ADH controls the amount of water excreted in urine. Without ADH, the kidneys do not work properly to keep enough water in the body. The result is a rapid loss of water from the body in the form of dilute urine. This results in the need to drink large amounts of water due to extreme thirst and to make up for excessive water loss in the urine (as much as 4 gallons or 15 liters a day).

The reduced level of ADH may be caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. This damage may be due to surgery, infection, inflammation, tumor , or injury to the brain .

Sometimes the cause is unknown. In rare cases, central diabetes insipidus is caused by a genetic problem.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of central diabetes insipidus include:

  • Increased urine production
  • Excessive thirst
  • Confusion and changes in alertness due to dehydration and higher than normal sodium level in the body, if the person is unable to drink

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will ask about your medical history and symptoms.

Tests that may be ordered include:

  • Blood sodium and osmolarity
  • Desmopressin (DDAVP) challenge
  • MRI of the head
  • Urinalysis
  • Urine concentration
  • Urine output

 

Treatment

 

The cause of the underlying condition will be treated.

Vasopressin (desmopressin, DDAVP) is given either as a nasal spray, tablets, or injections. This controls urine output and fluid balance and prevents dehydration .

In mild cases, drinking more water may be all that is needed. If the body's thirst control is not working (for example, if the hypothalamus is damaged), a prescription for a certain amount of water intake may also be needed to ensure proper hydration.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Outcome depends on the cause. If treated, central diabetes insipidus usually does not cause severe problems or result in early death.

 

Possible Complications

 

Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

When taking vasopressin and your body's thirst control is not normal, drinking more fluids than your body needs can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalance.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you develop symptoms of central diabetes insipidus.

If you have central diabetes insipidus, contact your provider if frequent urination or extreme thirst returns.

 

Prevention

 

Many of the cases may not be preventable. Prompt treatment of infections, tumors, and injuries may reduce risk.

 

 

References

Bichet DG. Polyuria and diabetes insipidus. In: Alpern RJ, Caplan M, Moe OW, eds. Seldin and Giebisch's The Kidney . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2013:chap 46.

Carr AC. Diabetes insipidus and other polyuric syndromes. In: Berstein AD, Soni N, eds. Oh's Intensive Care Manual . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2014:chap 59.

 
  • Endocrine glands - illustration

    Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

    Endocrine glands

    illustration

    • Endocrine glands - illustration

      Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

      Endocrine glands

      illustration

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          Review Date: 10/13/2015

          Reviewed By: Walead Latif DO, nephrologist, Medical Director of Fresenius Vascular Care, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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