Pituitary (cranial) Diabetes Insipidus

Question 1

What is Pituitary (cranial) Diabetes Insipidus?

Answer 1

This is when the kidneys are not able to retain water.

The hypothalamus stops producing ADH

Question 2

What is the cause of Pituitary (cranial) Diabetes Insipidus?

Answer 2

Damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland

Question 3

What is the treatment for Pituitary Diabetes Insipidus?

Answer 3

In mild cases where 3-4 litres of urine in 24 hours is produced, they should be told to drink more water.

In other cases:
- vasopressin can be given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

• Desmopressin is also used for treatment and can be given orally, sublingually, intranasally or by subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injection

Question 4

What happens in Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus?

Answer 4

The renal tubules are resistant to normal or high levels of plasma vasopressin.

Question 5

What is the cause of Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus?

Answer 5

May be familial, idiopathic or a result of renal
disease, sickle cell disease, drug ingestion (e.g. lithium), hypercalcaemia or hypokalaemia.

Question 6

What is the treatment for Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus?

Answer 6

1. Reverse the cause where possible
2. Try dietary changes where possible such as decreasing the amount of salt consumed.