Arginine vasopressin deficiency or resistance (Diabetes insipidus)

As AVP-D and AVP-R are often long-term conditions, patient education and support in self-management is paramount. Patient information is available from the NDI Foundation and the National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). NDI Foundation (DIF) Opens in new window NIDDK: diabetes insipidus Opens in new window Pituitary Foundation (UK): AVP-Deficiency (Diabetes insipidus) Opens in new window

Patients receiving desmopressin for AVP-D can be advised to delay, reduce, or omit dosing for 1 day per week to allow a diuresis to develop. This will allow off-loading of any excess water and prevent hyponatraemia.[63]Toumba M, Stanhope R. Morbidity and mortality associated with vasopressin analogue treatment. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Mar;19(3):197-201. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16607917?tool=bestpractice.com Those with AVP-R should be encouraged to drink freely in response to thirst. Continuous access to free water and bathroom facilities is essential, as patients may need to void urine every 1 to 2 hours.

Patients should be instructed to contact their care provider with concerns about managing fluid balance, especially during intercurrent illness.