Diabetes insipidus

Diabetes insipidus : Complications

If thirst mechanisms are normal and you drink enough fluids, there are no significant effects on body fluid or salt balance.

Not drinking enough fluids can lead to the following complications:

Dehydration
- Dry skin
- Dry mucus membranes
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- Sunken appearance to eyes
- Sunken fontanelles (soft spot) in infants
- Unintentional weight loss
Electrolyte imbalance
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Headache
- Irritability
- Muscle pains

References

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 241, 242.

Diabetes insipidus : Treatment

Diabetes insipidus : Treatment

Central Diabetes insipidus and gestational Diabetes insipidus respond to desmopressin. Carbamazepine, an anti-convulsive medication, has also had some success in this type of Diabetes insipidus. Also gestational Diabetes insipidus tends to abate on its own 4 to 6 weeks following labour, though some women may develop it again in subsequent pregnancies. In dipsogenic Diabetes insipidus, desmopressin is not usually an option.

Hereditary nephrogenic DI and lithium-induced nephrogenic DI are treated by drinking enough fluids to match urine output and with drugs that lower urine output. Drugs used to treat nephrogenic DI include:

Anti-inflammatory medication (indomethacin)
Diuretics [hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and amiloride]

References

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 241, 242.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_insipidus

Diabetes And Life