title: Ultralow doses of vasopressin in the management of diabetes insipidus.
abstract: Management of postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) frequently requires intermittent treatment with multiple subcutaneous injections of pituitrin or vasopressin, in doses averaging 20 IU/24 h. Use of a syringe pump for a continuous infusion of ultralow doses of pituitrin produced uniform, constant, and sustained reduction of urinary output, thus facilitating regular fluid replacement. Twelve patients with postoperative DI received iv pituitrin at a dose of 1.6 +/- 0.26 mIU/kg X h (1 to 2 IU/24 h). The antidiuretic effect began at the third hour of treatment, peaked by the sixth hour (diuresis of 37 ml/h, specific gravity of 1.018 +/- 0.002), and was sustained throughout infusion. Polyuria recurred 3 h after the infusion was discontinued; this rapid reversibility is highly advantageous when excessive fluid intake causes overhydration. Pressor effects were not observed during the treatment period.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000601:surgery; D003919:Diabetes Insipidus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010909:Pituitary Hormones, Posterior / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications
chemical_list: D010909:Pituitary Hormones, Posterior