Central Diabetes Insipidus in a 4-Year-Old Child – A Case Report

Abstract

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is a rare pediatric endocrine disorder. The authors report the case of a 4-year-old child admitted with polyuria and polydipsia with sudden onset and no recent history of head trauma. Laboratory investigations confirmed the polyuria and showed a urinary concentration defect and low urinary osmolality. A water deprivation test was performed to confirm the diagnosis and a 1-deamino-8D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) test was done to distinguish between central (CDI) and nephrogenic(NDI) diabetes insipidus. The water deprivation test is a useful diagnosing tool despite the risks it entails (severe dehydration). CDI can be successfully managed with desmopressin administered orally.