Diabetes Insipidus

It is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to conserve water in the body.

TYPES
1.Nuerogenic: It is due to lack of vasopressin production.
2. Dispogenic: It is due to defect or damage to the thirst centre in the hypothalamus.
3. Gestational: It occurs during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the placenta produces vasopressinase which breaks down the ADH which would have helped in water conservation.

CAUSES
1.Head injury, infection and loss of blood supply to the hypathalamus or pituitary gland.
2. Some medications like lithium and amphoterien B
3. High calcium level in the body.
4. Kidney diseases eg. Polycyslic kidney disease.
5. Lack or deficiency in vasopressin.
6. Insensitivity of the kidneys to Vasopressin.

EXAMINATION AND TEST
1.MRI of the head
2.Urinalysis
3. Urine output

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
1. Excessive urination(25-30litres of water a day).
2. Extreme thirst
3. Dehydration
4.Fever
5. Sunken fontanelles(soft spot) in infants.
6. Dry skin.
7. Rapid heart rate
8. Dry mucus membrane.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT.
1. Adults with untreated DI may remain healthy as long as they consume enough water to compensate the water loss through urination.
2. Desmopressin in a form of injection, nasal spray or tablet.
3. Carbamazepin.