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[Psychogenic polydipsia in a child]
Insights
This case study details a rare instance of psychogenic polydipsia in a toddler, characterized by excessive water drinking. The condition was confirmed through specific tests, and resolved with water deprivation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Psychogenic polydipsia is a rare condition in infants and children, often leading to diagnostic delays.
- Excessive water intake can disrupt family life and mimic other medical conditions.
Observation:
- A 20-month-old girl presented with compulsive water drinking, reaching 4,000 ml daily.
- The child exhibited the ability to concentrate urine, as confirmed by 1-deamino-BD arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) and water deprivation tests.
- A unilateral complete duplication of the collecting system was identified via intravenous pyelogram, but was not causally linked to the polyuria.
Findings:
- Psychogenic polydipsia was confirmed in a 2-year-and-9-month-old girl.
- The patient's excessive thirst (polydipsia) resolved within two months of progressive water deprivation.
- No evidence of urinary tract infection was found.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic challenges in differentiating psychogenic polydipsia from cranial diabetes insipidus and urological disorders in young children.
- Early recognition and appropriate management, such as controlled water intake, are crucial for resolving psychogenic polydipsia.
- Further research into the prevalence and specific diagnostic markers for psychogenic polydipsia in pediatric populations is warranted.
Abstract:
At the age of 20 months a baby girl began with compulsive water drinking. The water intake reached 4,000 ml per day. The constant drinking of water created disorganization in the family life. At the age of 2 years and 9 months, the psychogenic polydipsia is confirmed, based in the patient's ability to concentrate her urine, which was demonstrated with 1-deamino-BD arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) and the water deprivation tests. Neither bacteriological, clinical, nor radiological evidences of urinary infection were found. The intravenous pyelogram revealed a unilateral and complete duplication of the collecting system. The abnormal urinary tract does not have a causal relationship with the polyuria. With progressive water deprivation, the polydispia stopped in two months. Psychogenic polydispia is rare in infants and children. The mistake and delay in diagnosis is frequency. The differential diagnosis with cranial diabetes insipidus and urological diseases may be difficult sometimes.