Diabetes insipidus - nephrogenic

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Male urinary system

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; Acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus;

• Excessive thirst (may be intense or uncontrollable, with a craving for ice water)
• Excessive urine volume (may exceed 3 to 15 liters per day)

• Dehydration
  • Dry skin
  • Dry mucous membranes
  • Sunken appearance to eyes
  • Sunken fontanelles (soft spot) in infants
• Fatigue, lethargy
• Headache
• Irritability
• Low body temperature
• Muscle pains
• Rapid heart rate
• Weight loss

Examination may indicate dehydration and/or shock if fluid intake is inadequate. The pulse rate may be rapid, with a low blood pressure present. The most significant indication of diabetes insipidus is persistent high urine output regardless of fluid intake.

Signs associated with high urine output are:

• High serum osmolality
• Low urine osmolality
• Normal or high ADH levels
• The kidneys not making a more concentrated urine when the person is given ADH

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• Urine specific gravity
• Urine concentration test
• Urine 24h volume
• Serum sodium

Review Date: 12/09/2005
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.