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[Desmopressin and water intoxication. Apropos of a case treated for enuresis]

R Guillaud1, S Amram, F Lememme

  • 1Service de pédiatrie et néonatalogie, CHU Gaston-Doumergue, Nîmes, France.

Pediatrie
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Desmopressin, used for secondary enuresis, can cause severe hyponatremia and seizures. This case highlights the risks, suggesting restricted use for desmopressin in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Clinical Toxicology

Background:

  • Secondary enuresis and bladder instability are common pediatric conditions.
  • Desmopressin is frequently prescribed for enuresis, acting as an antidiuretic agent.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old boy presented with altered mental status, vomiting, and seizures.
  • These symptoms coincided with hyponatremia and hypoosmolality during desmopressin treatment.

Findings:

  • The patient recovered rapidly with fluid restriction and sodium chloride administration.
  • This suggests desmopressin may induce severe water intoxication and electrolyte imbalance.

Implications:

  • Desmopressin carries significant risks of hyponatremia and neurological side effects.
  • Consider restricting desmopressin use to cases with confirmed antidiuretic hormone deficiencies.

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