Is Idiopathic Central Diabetes Insipidus Really Idiopathic?

An underlying etiology was later identified in nearly 40% of children initially diagnosed with idiopathic diabetes insipidus.

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is an uncommon diagnosis and might be idiopathic or caused by Langerhans cell histiocytosis, brain tumors, congenital anomalies, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, or other disorders. To clarify the natural history of idiopathic DI, researchers reviewed records of two cohorts of pediatric patients diagnosed with DI at multiple referral centers in the U.S.

The first cohort included 105 patients from three centers who were diagnosed with central DI in 1980–1989. Ultimately, 89% of patients had underlying diagnoses identified (including central nervous system tumors, 34%; congenital anomalies, 20%; Langerhans histiocytosis, 19%; and infection, 4%). Eleven percent had idiopathic DI. The second cohort included 30 patient…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Is Idiopathic Central Diabetes Insipidus Really Idiopathic?

Topics

Reviewing Author