Diabetes insipidus; nephrogenic

Alternative names:

acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; gypsy's curse; nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Symptoms:

• excessive thirst
  • may be intense or uncontrollable
  • craving for ice water may be present

• excessive urine volume
  • may exceed 3 to 15 liters per day

Inadequate fluid consumption can result in:

• 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

Signs and tests:

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