The effects of water deprivation and water loading during treatment with 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin in central diabetes insipidus in childhood.

Nine children aged 7 2/12 to 17 9/12 years with central diabetes insipidus were subjected to water deprivation and water loading during treatment with 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDVAP). Urine output remained unchanged despite the large differences in water intake. Serum osmolarity was not significantly affected by water deprivation. However, there was a marked decrease in serum osmolarity during water loading. This not accompanied by any symptoms of haemodilution. Thus patients apparently tolerate large variations in fluid intake during therapy with DDVAP.