Central diabetes insipidus is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin. Without vasopressin the body begins excreting large amounts of water. Patients will manifest increased thirst and excessive urination. The disease is caused by tumors in the brain, head trauma or infections, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Without treatment, central diabetes insipidus can cause permanent damage to the kidney. Prompt and proper treatment is needed to ensure that the patient does not suffer any long-term consequences of the disease.
Increased Water Intake
Patients with mild forms of central diabetes insipidus may only need to increase their water intake, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors recommend drinking approximately 2.5L of water a day. This slight increase in water intake will counteract the water loss caused by the mild case of diabetes insipidus. As long as patients remain properly hydrated, they will not suffer any of the complications from the disease and will not need any medication.
ADH-Releasing Drugs
Certain medications, called ADH-releasing drugs, cause the body to release greater amounts of antidiuretic hormone. These drugs provide the patient with enough ADH to reverse the symptoms caused by the diabetes insipidus, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Examples of ADH-releasing drugs include carbamazepine, chlorpropamide and clofibrate.
Desmopressin
Desmopressin is a synthetic medication that is similar in structure and function to the hormone vasopressin. This drug may be given as a nasal spray, an injection under the skin or as an oral tablet, according to Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health website. The hormone controls the urine output, fluid balance and prevents dehydration. Desmopressin should be taken in regular intervals to mimic the natural release of antidiuretic hormone.
Surgery
Central diabetes insipidus can be caused by tumors within the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. The hypothalamus produces vasopressin, and the pituitary gland stores the hormone. Tumors in these glands can cause a severe decrease in the production and release of ADH. To rectify this situation, physicians will perform surgery to remove the tumor, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. When the tumor is removed, the patient may need to receive hormone replacement if the gland is unable to function properly after the surgery.
