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Psychogenic diabetes insipidus in toddlers with compulsive bottle-drinking: not a rare entity

Ayse Pinar Cemeroglu1, Atilla Büyükgebiz

  • 1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Adolescence, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey.

Insights

Psychogenic diabetes insipidus, a condition causing excessive thirst and urination, is rarely diagnosed in toddlers. This report details three toddlers diagnosed with this condition, highlighting its occurrence in younger children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Nephrology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Psychogenic polydipsia, leading to water intoxication, is a known cause of polyuria and polydipsia.
  • While commonly observed in adolescents, psychogenic diabetes insipidus is infrequently reported in toddlers.

Observation:

  • Three toddlers presented with compulsive drinking (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria).
  • These symptoms prompted a clinical evaluation to rule out other causes of polyuria.

Findings:

  • Comprehensive laboratory investigations were performed.
  • Water deprivation tests confirmed the diagnosis of psychogenic diabetes insipidus in all three toddlers.
  • The findings suggest psychogenic diabetes insipidus can manifest in very young children.

Implications:

  • This case series expands the known age range for psychogenic diabetes insipidus presentation.
  • Early recognition and diagnosis in toddlers are crucial for appropriate management.
  • Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and long-term outcomes of psychogenic diabetes insipidus in early childhood.

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