Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
12:17
The 4-vessel Sampling Approach to Integrative Studies of Human Placental Physiology In Vivo
Published on: August 2, 2017
[Pregnancy and thirst, a remarkable duo]
Lianne Beunk1, Marieke de Vries2, H C van Vugt3
1St Jansdal, afd. Klinisch Chemisch Laboratorium, Harderwijk.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Pregnancy can cause severe polyuria and polydipsia due to a rare vasopressinase deficiency. Treatment with desmopressin normalized symptoms, resolving spontaneously after delivery.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics
- Nephrology
Background:
- Polyuria and polydipsia during pregnancy present diagnostic challenges.
- Severe polyuria (9L/24h) and polydipsia occurred in a pregnant woman without prior symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose and manage severe polyuria and polydipsia in pregnancy.
- To investigate the cause of AVP deficiency in a pregnant patient.
Main Methods:
- Excluded gestational diabetes and electrolyte disturbances.
- Monitored urine output, thirst, weight, and osmolality.
- Used copeptin as a marker for arginine vasopressin (AVP/ADH) deficiency.
Main Results:
- Normal glucose, HbA1c, and electrolyte levels.
- Low copeptin (<2 pmol/L) ruled out AVP resistance.
- Oral desmopressin normalized diuresis and thirst; symptoms resolved post-delivery.
Conclusions:
- Diagnosed pregnancy-induced AVP deficiency due to elevated placental vasopressinase.
- This rare condition (2-4 per 100,000 pregnancies) was successfully managed with desmopressin.
- Symptoms resolved spontaneously postpartum, confirming transient vasopressinase activity.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Primary Motives: Hunger and Thirst
Hunger and thirst are fundamental physiological drives crucial for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring the survival of both humans and animals. These drives are regulated through complex interactions between the brain, hormones, and sensory receptors.
Hunger arises when the brain detects changes in the body's nutrient levels, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, and hormones such as ghrelin and leptin. The hypothalamus plays a central role in hunger regulation. The lateral hypothalamus acts...
Hunger arises when the brain detects changes in the body's nutrient levels, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, and hormones such as ghrelin and leptin. The hypothalamus plays a central role in hunger regulation. The lateral hypothalamus acts...
01:25Regulation of Water Intake
Osmolality refers to the number of solute particles per kilogram of solvent in a solution. Plasma osmolality specifically indicates the total number of solute particles per kilogram of water in blood plasma. This value reflects the body's hydration status and is tightly regulated through mechanisms controlling water intake and output. While water consumption is a conscious decision, the body has intrinsic regulatory systems to maintain fluid balance. Dehydration, a state of water deficit...
01:22Diabetes Insipidus II: Pathophysiology
Normally, water balance is maintained through three interconnected mechanisms: the hypothalamic thirst center, the synthesis and release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or vasopressin), and the kidneys' responsiveness to this hormone. ADH is synthesized in the hypothalamus, released from the posterior pituitary, and acts on the distal nephron, allowing water reabsorption and concentrated urine production.Diabetes Insipidus and Its TypesIn diabetes insipidus (DI), this regulatory system is...
01:29Diabetes Insipidus I: Introduction
Definition Diabetes insipidus is a disorder marked by the production of large amounts of dilute urine because of impaired vasopressin production, release, or kidney response. The lack of effective vasopressin action limits water reabsorption in the renal collecting ducts, which leads to excessive urinary water loss and intense thirst.Clinical PresentationIndividuals with diabetes insipidus report persistent thirst and very high urine output. In severe cases, fluid intake can reach up to 20...
01:19Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
01:29Disorder of Water Balance
Water balance disorders are medical conditions that occur when there is a deviation from the body's water volume or osmolarity, disrupting normal homeostasis and leading todehydration, hypotonic hydration, hyperhydration, edema, or water intoxication.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids (particularly water).
Causes:
The major causes of dehydration include excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and diuresis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms primarily include intense...
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids (particularly water).
Causes:
The major causes of dehydration include excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and diuresis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms primarily include intense...