Harmful Effects of Diabetes Insipidus
11 December 2007What is this Condition?
A disorder of water metabolism, diabetes insipidus results from a deficiency of a hormone called vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone. It’s characterized by excessive consumption of fluids and profuse urination. The disorder has no relationship to the much better-known form of diabetes called diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes insipidus may start in childhood or early adulthood and is more common in men than in women. If the person with diabetes insipidus doesn’t have complications, the prognosis is good, and he or she can usually lead a normal life.
What Causes it?
Diabetes insipidus usually results from damage to the pituitary gland. This damage may result from a brain tumor, neurosurgery, a skull fracture, or head injury. Another form of the disorder, called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, originates with kidney problems.
What are its Symptoms?
Typically, the person abruptly begins to urinate profuse amounts: usually 4 to 16 quarts per day of diluted urine, but sometimes as much as 30 quarts per day. As a result, the person is extremely thirsty and drinks large quantities of water to compensate for the body’s fluid losses. This disorder may also result in nighttime urination and, in severe cases, extreme fatigue from inadequate rest due to frequent voiding and excessive thirst.
Other characteristic features of diabetes insipidus include symptoms of dehydration (poor tissue turgor, dry mucous membranes. constipation, muscle weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure).
How is it Diagnosed?
To diagnose diabetes insipidus, the doctor will order a urinalysis to evaluate the physical characteristics of the person’s urine. In diabetes insipidus, the urine contains a high percentage of water.
Another test, called a water deprivation test, provides further information about the person’s condition. In this test, baseline vital signs and weight are taken, and urine and blood analyses are done. Then the person is deprived of fluids. Hourly measurements then record the total volume of urine output, body weight, and the physical characteristics of his or her urine. Throughout the test, blood pressure and pulse rate are carefully monitored. Also during the course of the test, the person receives an injection of vasopressin; the response to this injection helps to determine if diabetes insipidus results from a problem with the person’s pituitary gland or a problem with his or her kidney .
How is it Treated?
Until the cause is identified and eliminated, administration of various forms of vasopressin or of a vasopressin stimulant can control fluid balance and prevent dehydration:
• Pitressin is a liquid preparation that’s administered under the skin or in the muscle several times a day because it’s effective for only 2 to 6 hours. This form of the drug is used in acute disease and as a diagnostic agent.
• DDAVP can be given as a nasal spray or by an intravenous injection or injection under the skin. This drug is effective for 8 to 20 hours, depending on the dosage.
Tagged under:antidiuretic hormone, diabetes insipidus results, diabetes mellitus, Hormons And Gland Disorders, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, symptoms of dehydration urine
