DIABETES INSIPIDUS

General Information

DEFINITION--A rare disorder of the hormone system, centered in the pituitary gland.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Pituitary gland; endocrine system.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Excessive thirst that is difficult to satisfy.
• Passage of large amounts (up to 15 quarts a day) of diluted, colorless urine.
• Dry hands.
• Constipation.

CAUSES--

Deficiency of an antidiuretic (ADH) hormone normally secreted by the pituitary gland. The deficiency may result from the following:

• Head injury, with damage to the pituitary gland.
• Tumor of the pituitary gland.
• Other brain tumor that applies pressure to the pituitary gland.
• Infection in the brain, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
• Bleeding inside the skull.
• Aneurysm.
• Kidney disease.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Preceding illness or injury in the brain.
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Family history of diabetes insipidus.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as water-deprivation tests to determine levels of ADH.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Treatment involves controlling fluid balance and preventing dehydration; identifying and eliminating the cause of the diabetes insipidus.
• Surgery if a tumor or aneurysm is present.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Electrolyte imbalance, especially increased sodium or potassium deficiency. Either of these can cause heartbeat irregularity, fatigue and congestive heart failure.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--

• If the disorder is caused by a tumor or aneurysm, it can be cured by surgery.
• If the disorder is caused by a head injury, spontaneous recovery is likely within a year.
• If the disorder is caused by a preceding brain infection, symptoms may persist indefinitely.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• If brain surgery is necessary, see Craniotomy (in Surgery section) for an explanation of surgery and postoperative care.
• Check weight daily and maintain a record.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe synthetic ADH in nose drops, powder or injection form.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet. Drink as much water as you feel you need.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of diabetes insipidus.
• Symptoms don't improve, despite treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.