Diabetes insipidus in pregnancy

Key content There are various types of diabetes insipidus that occur due to different pathology that occurs outside of, during, and as a result of pregnancy. All pregnant women presenting with polyuria and polydipsia should be investigated with blood tests including urea and electrolytes, calcium levels and thyroid function tests. Plasma and urine osmolality can also be helpful in making the diagnosis. Additional symptoms that are suggestive of diabetes insipidus secondary to other underlying pathology (e.g. a pituitary tumour) are likely to require radiological imaging. Women diagnosed with diabetes insipidus should have regular consultant review in clinic with monitoring of serum electrolytes. They should also receive an antenatal anaesthetic review. A multidisciplinary approach should be adopted during labour and they should be managed on delivery suite with senior obstetric and anaesthetic input. Pre‐eclamptic toxaemia (PET) and haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) can exacerbate diabetes insipidus as hepatic dysfunction leads to a reduction in vasopressinase metabolism. Furthermore, it has been suggested that pituitary hypoperfusion due to this syndrome could also be a cause of gestational diabetes insipidus. These women present a therapeutic challenge as they are in a volume‐depleted state as a consequence of DI, however they require judicious fluid management because of their PET. Early detection and effective management will reduce mo...
Source: The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research