This disorder can be congenital or acquired. Genetic causes are less common but more severe than acquired forms of the disease, although genetic etiologies are more common in children than in adults.
Acquired causes of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are more common. It may be caused by drugs such as lithium and demeclocycline, both of which are thought to interfere with vasopressin-stimulated cAMP generation or action.
In 85% of congenital diabetes insipidus, the disorder is inherited as an x-linked mutation.
Patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus usually have onset of symptoms in infancy, and present with recurrent episodes of dehydration, fever, failure to thrive and psychomotor retardation.
Patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus may develop severe dehydration of water is withheld for prolonged periods.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
