Clinical management of unremitting nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

The polyuria and polydipsia state in diabetes insipidus (DI) can be challenging to manage for patients and clinicians with significant impact on the patients' well-being. A review of literature shows that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), thiazide and potassium-sparing diuretics, along with low dietary solute and protein, and high water intake remain the standard medical therapy. Although these therapeutic approaches improve symptoms, the urine-concentrating defect is still considerable, posing a serious risk to patient's life from hypovolemia if high fluid intake is not maintained. Our case describes the challenges faced with the medical management of a patient with nephrogenic DI that was only partially responsive to standard medical therapy, resulting in debilitating effects on the patient's quality of life.