Cystic fibrosis presenting as diabetes insipidus unresponsive to desmopressin
S Vande Velde1, S Van Biervliet, E Robberecht
1Cystic fibrosis centre, Ghent university Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Insights
Diagnosing cystic fibrosis (CF) can be challenging with atypical symptoms. Early recognition of CF, even with unusual signs like polyuria in infants, is crucial for timely treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Medical Diagnostics
- Genetics
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) diagnosis often relies on characteristic symptoms like chronic pulmonary issues or meconium ileus.
- Atypical presentations of CF can delay diagnosis, complicating patient management.
- Understanding the full spectrum of CF symptoms is vital for pediatricians and gastroenterologists.
Observation:
- This case report highlights a diagnostic delay caused by misleading, atypical CF symptoms.
- Atypical signs included hypochloremic alkalosis, recurrent pancreatitis, and increased appetite.
- The importance of observing infant napkins for subtle clues was emphasized.
Findings:
- Delayed diagnosis of CF occurred due to reliance on typical symptom presentation.
- Atypical symptoms can obscure the diagnosis, necessitating a broader differential.
- Polyuria in infants was identified as a potential, overlooked indicator of CF.
Implications:
- The case underscores the need to consider CF in infants presenting with polyuria.
- Broadening the differential diagnosis for atypical symptoms can improve early CF detection.
- Timely diagnosis of CF is essential for effective management and improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) can be confusing when only a part of the typical symptoms is present. In children, CF is usually suspected when dealing with chronic pulmonary symptoms (chronic productive cough, recurrent pneumonia or bronchiolitis). The pediatric gastroenterologist will exclude CF in all children with a meconium ileus, rectal prolaps or a poor weight gain. Atypical CF symptoms are hypochloremic alkalosis, recurrent pancreatitis and increased appetite to compensate for the pancreatic insufficiency. This case report shows how a diagnosis can be delayed when you are mislead by atypical symptoms. It shows the importance of looking in napkins and argues for the inclusion of CF in the differential diagnosis of polyuria in infants.
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