Thiazide Diuretics in the Management of Young Children with Central Diabetes Insipidus

Abstract

To report our experience in treating infants and toddlers with central diabetes insipidus (DI) with thiazide diuretics. A retrospective chart review of all infants and toddlers who were treated with thiazide diuretics for central DI at the Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2014. Our cohort consisted of 13 patients. The median age at the start of therapy was 6 months (IQR, 1-14 months). Eight patients were given chlorothiazide at a starting dose of 5-10 mg/kg/day, and 5 patients were treated with hydrochlorothiazide at a starting dose of 1-2 mg/kg/day. The median age at the cessation of thiazide therapy was 18 months (IQR, 11.5-39 months). The main reason for stopping was the lack of continued response, in addition to hypernatremia. There was no hospitalization secondary to hyponatremia and only 1 hospitalization secondary to hypernatremia while receiving thiazide therapy. Calcium was checked periodically in 7 of the 13 patients, and 2 of these 7 patients had persistent hypercalcemia. Thiazide diuretics appear to be safe and effective in treating infants with central DI. They can be continued after the introduction of solid food, and until a lack of response is observed.