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Etiologies of central diabetes insipidus in Thai children

Jeerunda Santiprabhob1, Supawadee Likitmaskul, Adhiratha Boonyasiri

  • 1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. sijst@mahidol.ac.th

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|September 1, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Central diabetes insipidus (DI) in Thai children is most commonly caused by central nervous system (CNS) malformations. Intracranial tumors and their treatments are also frequent causes, necessitating thorough investigation for CNS lesions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Central diabetes insipidus (DI) is a condition characterized by inadequate antidiuretic hormone secretion or action.
  • Identifying the specific etiologies of central DI in pediatric populations is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.
  • Previous studies have indicated diverse causes, but regional variations warrant specific investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the primary etiologies of central DI in Thai children.
  • To analyze the frequency of different causes in a pediatric cohort.
  • To guide diagnostic approaches for central DI in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records of 67 pediatric patients diagnosed with central DI.
  • Data collected from Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between 1996 and 2003.
  • Analysis of patient demographics and identified causes of central DI.

Main Results:

  • Central nervous system (CNS) malformations were the most common etiology (29.8%).
  • Post-resection of intracranial tumors/cysts (25.4%) and intracranial tumors (16.4%) were significant causes.
  • Other identified causes included cerebral palsy (7.5%), infection (6%), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (4.5%), and idiopathic (10.4%).

Conclusions:

  • CNS malformations represent the leading cause of central DI in Thai children.
  • Intracranial tumors and related treatments are also major contributors.
  • A comprehensive evaluation for CNS lesions is essential before diagnosing idiopathic central DI.

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