endocrine and metabolic disorders
ArginineVasopressin Deficiency (Central Diabetes Insipidus)
Introduction
Argininevasopressindeficiency (central diabetes insipidus) results from a deficiency ofvasopressin(antidiuretic hormone [ADH]) due to a hypothalamic-pituitary disorder. Polyuria and polydipsia develop. Diagnosis is by water deprivation test showing failure to maximally concentrate urine;vasopressinlevels and response to exogenousvasopressinhelp distinguishargininevasopressindeficiency fromargininevasopressinresistance (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus). Treatment is withdesmopressin. Nonhormonal treatment includes use of diuretics (mainly thiazides) andvasopressin-releasing medications, such aschlorpropamide. (See also Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH Secretion (SIADH) and 