Endocrine Abstracts

Polyuria polydipsia syndrome is a disorder characterized by excretion of large amounts of hypotonic urine. Three entities have to be differentiated: AVP-deficiency (central diabetes insipidus) resulting from a deficiency of the hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, AVP-resistance (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus) resulting from resistance to AVP in the kidneys and finally primary polydipsia, which involves excessive intake of large amounts of water despite normal AVP secretion and action. Distinguishing between the different types can be challenging. In addition to a detailed medical history, physical examination and imaging studies, copeptin based tests have recently been introduced showing a high diagnostic accuracy. This talk will focus on how to use copeptin in the differential diagnosis of AVP-deficiency and how to perform the required tests.