Diabetes Insipidus

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

rare condition where you produce a large amount of urine and often thirsty

Question 2

What is used for the treatment of diabetes insipidus?

Answer 2

Vasopressin

Desmopressin

Question 3

how is dosage of treatment tailored?

Answer 3

It is tailored to produce a slight diuresis every 24 hours to avoid water intoxication.

Question 4

What are differences between desmopressin and vasopressin?

Answer 4

Desmopressin is more potent and has a longer duration of action than vasopressin

Vasopressin has a vasoconstrictor effect

Question 5

How is desmopressin administered?

Answer 5

Orally or intranasally for maintenance therapy

By injection in the post op period or in unconscious

Question 6

What are two types of diabetes insipidus and how can they be differentiated?

Answer 6

Cranial

Nephrogenic

If given desmopressin and after taking dose can concentrate urine
it means they have cranial diabetes. If they do not respond then they have nephrogenic which is treated with thiazides.

Question 7

What is patient and carer advice of desmopressin?

Answer 7

Hyponatraemic convulsions;
patients being treated for nocturnal enuresis should be warned to avoid fluid overload and or stop taking desmopressin during an episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.