An Overview of Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
An Overview of Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
In infants, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is most commonly caused by an inherited genetic mutation present at birth. As a result, the receptor for ADH doesn't function properly.
In adults who develop nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, genetics aren't the cause. Instead, medicines or electrolyte abnormalities cause the condition. Causes of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in adults include:
The other form of diabetes insipidus is known as central diabetes insipidus. In central diabetes insipidus, the kidneys function normally, but not enough ADH is produced in the brain. Central diabetes insipidus has similar symptoms to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. However, central diabetes insipidus can be treated by replacing ADH with a medication called desmopressin.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can be difficult to treat. Since the kidneys can't respond to ADH, giving more ADH doesn't help. There's no good way to get the kidneys to respond to the ADH that's there. In fact, treatment options are limited.
If a drug like lithium is responsible, switching medicines might improve nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Most adults with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are able to keep up with fluid losses by drinking water. For some people, though, the symptoms of near-constant thirst and urination can become intolerable. Some treatments can reduce the symptoms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, at least somewhat:
All adults and children with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus should take frequent bathroom breaks. This helps to avoid over-distending the bladder, which can cause long-term problems, though rarely.
The most important treatment for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is to ensure constant access to lots of water. Not keeping up with fluid losses can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, which can sometimes be severe. Seek medical help if symptoms don't improve after rehydrating, eating fresh fruit, and taking a multivitamin.
In this article
- What is nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
- What are the symptoms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
- What are the causes of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
- How is nephrogenic diabetes insipidus treated?
What are the causes of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus?
In infants, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is most commonly caused by an inherited genetic mutation present at birth. As a result, the receptor for ADH doesn't function properly.
In adults who develop nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, genetics aren't the cause. Instead, medicines or electrolyte abnormalities cause the condition. Causes of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in adults include:
- Lithium, a drug most commonly taken for bipolar disorder; up to 20% of people taking lithium will develop nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
- Other medicines, including demeclocycline (Declomycin), ofloxacin (Floxin), orlistat (alli, Xenical), and others
- High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia)
- Low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Kidney disease, especially polycystic kidney disease
The other form of diabetes insipidus is known as central diabetes insipidus. In central diabetes insipidus, the kidneys function normally, but not enough ADH is produced in the brain. Central diabetes insipidus has similar symptoms to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. However, central diabetes insipidus can be treated by replacing ADH with a medication called desmopressin.
How is nephrogenic diabetes insipidus treated?
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can be difficult to treat. Since the kidneys can't respond to ADH, giving more ADH doesn't help. There's no good way to get the kidneys to respond to the ADH that's there. In fact, treatment options are limited.
If a drug like lithium is responsible, switching medicines might improve nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Most adults with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are able to keep up with fluid losses by drinking water. For some people, though, the symptoms of near-constant thirst and urination can become intolerable. Some treatments can reduce the symptoms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, at least somewhat:
- Diet. A low-salt, low-protein diet reduces urine output.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), and naproxen (Naprosyn) also can reduce urination.
- Diuretics. It might seem paradoxical, but "water pills" like hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride can ease excessive urination from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
All adults and children with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus should take frequent bathroom breaks. This helps to avoid over-distending the bladder, which can cause long-term problems, though rarely.
The most important treatment for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is to ensure constant access to lots of water. Not keeping up with fluid losses can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, which can sometimes be severe. Seek medical help if symptoms don't improve after rehydrating, eating fresh fruit, and taking a multivitamin.
Source...