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Diabetes insipidus - nephrogenic
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; Acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; Congenital diabetes insipidus; NDI
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a disorder in which a defect in the small tubes (tubules) in the kidneys causes a person to pass a large amount of urine and lose too much water.
Causes
Normally, the kidney tubules allow most water in the blood to be filtered and returned to the blood.
NDI occurs when the kidney tubules do not respond to a hormone in the body called antidiuretic hormone ( ADH ), also called vasopressin. ADH normally tells the kidneys to make the urine more concentrated.
ADH
Antidiuretic blood test measures the level of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in blood.
As a result of the defect, the kidneys release too much water into the urine. This causes the body to produce a large quantity of very dilute urine.
NDI is rare. Congenital diabetes insipidus is present at birth. It is a result of a defect passed down through families. Men are usually affected, though women can pass this gene on to their children.
Most commonly, NDI develops because of other reasons. This is called an acquired disorder. Factors that can trigger the acquired form of this condition include:
- Blockage in the urinary tract
- High calcium levels
- Low potassium levels
- Use of certain drugs (lithium, demeclocycline, amphotericin B)
Symptoms
You may have intense or uncontrollable thirst, and crave ice water.
You will produce large amounts of urine, usually more than 3 liters, and up to 15 liters per day. The urine is very dilute and looks almost like water. You may need to urinate every hour or even more, even during the night when you are not eating or drinking as much.
If you do not drink enough fluids, dehydration can result. Symptoms may include:
- Dry mucous membranes
- Dry skin
- Sunken appearance to eyes
- Sunken fontanelles (soft spot) in infants
Other symptoms that can occur due to lack of fluids, causing dehydration, include:
- Fatigue, feeling weak
- Headache
- Irritability
- Low body temperature
- Muscle pain
-
Rapid heart rate
Rapid heart rate
A bounding pulse is a strong throbbing felt over one of the arteries in the body. It is due to a forceful heartbeat.
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- A change in alertness, and even coma
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will examine you and ask about your or your child's symptoms.
A physical exam may reveal:
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid pulse
- Shock
- Signs of dehydration
Tests may reveal:
-
High serum
osmolality
Osmolality
Osmolality is a test that measures the concentration of all chemical particles found in the fluid part of blood. Osmolality can also be measured with...
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- Kidneys do not concentrate urine when you are given ADH
-
Low
urine osmolality
Urine osmolality
The osmolality urine test measures the concentration of particles in urine. Osmolality can also be measured using a blood test.
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Other tests that may be done include:
-
Serum sodium
Serum sodium
The sodium blood test measures the amount of sodium in the blood. Sodium can also be measured using a urine test.
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Urine 24-hour volume
Urine 24-hour volume
The urine 24-hour volume test measures the amount of urine produced in a day. The amount of creatinine, protein, and other chemicals released into t...
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Urine concentration test
Urine concentration test
A urine concentration test measures the ability of the kidneys to conserve or excrete water.
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Urine specific gravity
Urine specific gravity
Urine specific gravity is a laboratory test that shows the concentration of all chemical particles in the urine.
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Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control the body's fluid levels. A large amount of fluids will be given. The amount should be about equal to the amount of water being lost in the urine.
If the condition is due to a certain medicine, stopping the drug may improve symptoms. But, do NOT stop taking any medicine without first talking to your provider.
Medicines may be given to improve symptoms.
Outlook (Prognosis)
If a person drinks enough water, this condition will not have much effect on the fluid or electrolyte balance of the body. Sometimes, passing a lot of urine for a long time can cause other electrolyte problems.
Electrolyte
Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...
If the person does not drink enough fluids, high urine output may cause dehydration and high levels of sodium in the blood.
High urine output
Excessive amount of urination means that your body makes larger than normal amounts of urine each day.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how muc...
NDI that is present at birth is a long-term condition requiring lifelong treatment.
Possible Complications
Untreated, NDI may cause any of the following:
- Dilation of the ureters and bladder
-
High blood sodium (
hypernatremia
)
Hypernatremia
The sodium blood test measures the amount of sodium in the blood. Sodium can also be measured using a urine test.
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- Shock
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you or your child has symptoms of this disorder.
Prevention
Congenital NDI cannot be prevented.
Treating the disorders that can lead to the acquired form of the condition may prevent it from developing in some cases.
References
Bichet DG. Polyuria and diabetes insipidus. In: Alpern RJ, Moe OW, Caplan M, eds. Seldin and Giebisch's The Kidney . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2013:chap 46.
Hannon MJ, Thompson CJ. Vasopressin, diabetes insipidus, and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 18.
Review Date: 2/3/2016
Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
