Objectives: To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the syndromes of diabetes insipidus with an emphasis on those situations likely to be encountered in the critical care setting.
Data sources: Extensive clinical experience and relevant publications from the English literature identified via MEDLINE search, citation in reviews, publications of original data, and endocrine texts.
Study selection and data extraction: Landmark papers pertaining to all aspects of diabetes insipidus were selected. Reviews, primary articles, and case reports pertaining to diabetes insipidus in the critical care setting were identified and selected according to their content of clinically useful information.
Data synthesis and conclusions: Diabetes insipidus may result from impaired synthesis and release of vasopressin from the hypothalamic-pituitary unit (neurogenic) or renal insensitivity to circulating vasopressin (nephrogenic). A number of interventions, diseases, and drugs commonly encountered in the critical care setting may result in the development or exacerbation of diabetes insipidus. The diagnosis of diabetes insipidus requires the exclusion of other causes of polyuria and a systematic demonstration of the response of homeostatic mechanisms to controlled dehydration. The treatment of diabetes insipidus depends on many factors, including the clinical setting, degree and pathophysiologic classification, ability of the patient to compensate for free water losses, and expected duration of the abnormality. Underlying disorders should be treated appropriately whenever possible.