Diabetes insipidus - nephrogenic

Alternative Names:

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; Acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus;

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to regulate fluid levels in the body.

All cases should be treated with consistently high fluid intake. The volume of fluids consumed should approximately equal the volume of urine produced.

Reduction or discontinuation of medications that may cause nephrogenic DI may improve symptoms.

Hydrochlorothiazide may improve symptoms. This may be used alone or in combination with other medications, including indomethacin. Although this medication is a diuretic (these medications are usually used to increase urine output), in certain cases hydrochlorothiazide can actually reduce urine output for people with nephrogenic DI.

This medication works by causing sodium and water to be excreted in the early part of the renal tubules (the proximal tubules).

This leaves less fluid available for the late portion of the kidney ( distal tubule) to excrete -- this is the portion affected by nephrogenic DI -- and thus it limits the total volume of urine that can be excreted.

Expectations (prognosis):

Congenital nephrogenic DI is a chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment. Acquired nephrogenic DI may be short-term or long-term.

Complications:

Severe dehydration, shock (if inadequate fluid intake)
Hypernatremia (high blood sodium)
Dilation of the ureters and bladder

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate diabetes insipidus may be present.

Male urinary system

Review Date: 12/9/2005
Reviewed By: Colm C. Magee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Renal Transplant, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Related Content