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Central Diabetes Insipidus

Polyuria due to insufficient release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the pituitary gland.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Endokrinoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Central Diabetes Insipidus?

Central diabetes insipidus (DI) is a condition characterized by extreme thirst and the production of large volumes of dilute urine due to insufficient release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH, vasopressin) from the hypothalamus and posterior pituitary.

Causes include pituitary surgery, head trauma, tumors (such as craniopharyngioma), infiltrative diseases (sarcoidosis, histiocytosis X), autoimmune hypophysitis, ischemia, and idiopathic cases. A subset of cases is familial.

Diagnosis is confirmed by a water deprivation test followed by a desmopressin response, which distinguishes central from nephrogenic DI. In recent years, copeptin measurement has emerged as a reliable diagnostic alternative.

Symptoms

Severe polyuria (more than 3-4 liters of dilute urine per day)
Excessive thirst and polydipsia
Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)
Signs of dehydration (dry mucous membranes, hypotension)
Fatigue and weakness
Weight loss
Enuresis and growth retardation in children

Risk Factors

Pituitary surgery or radiotherapy
Head trauma
Central nervous system tumors
Autoimmune hypophysitis
Infiltrative diseases (sarcoidosis, histiocytosis)
Familial (autosomal dominant) forms
Meningoencephalitis and brain surgery

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When passing more than 3-4 liters of dilute urine per day
  • Severe nighttime urination disrupting sleep
  • Excessive thirst with signs of dehydration
  • Polyuria after head trauma
  • New-onset polyuria after pituitary surgery

Treatment Methods

01
Desmopressin (DDAVP) replacement therapy (oral, spray, or parenteral)
02
Adjusting fluid intake to individual needs
03
Monitoring daily weight and serum sodium during dose titration
04
Treatment of the underlying cause (e.g., pituitary tumor)
05
Short-term DDAVP for transient postoperative DI
06
Patient education on hyponatremia risk with overdosing or excessive fluid intake

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Endokrinoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.