Diabetes insipidus - nephrogenic
Definition
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a disorder in which a defect of the small tubes (tubules) in the kidneys results in the passage of large volumes of urine.
See also: Diabetes insipidus-central
Alternative Names
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; Acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidusCauses
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus involves a defect in the kidney tubules (the portion of the kidneys that causes water to be excreted or reabsorbed). The defect affects the ability of the kidneys to respond to antidiuretic hormone (ADH; vasopressin), which normally instructs the kidneys to make the urine more concentrated.
As a result, the kidneys excretes an excessive amount of water into the urine, producing a large quantity of very dilute urine.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a rare disorder. It may be present at birth as a result of an inherited defect that usually affects men, although women can pass the gene on to their children.
Most commonly, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is an acquired disorder. Factors that can bring on the disorder include:
- Drugs (lithium, demeclocycline, amphotericin B)
- Electrolyte disorders (high calcium or low potassium levels)
- Urinary blockage
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