TREATMENT OF DIABETES INSIPIDUS IN CHILDREN WITH DDAVP, A SYNTHETIC ANALOGUE OF VASOPRESSIN

The effects of a new, synthetic analogue of vasopressin, DDAVP (l-deamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin), was investigated in 10 children with diabetes insipidus due to deficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone. The lack of pressor activity, and the specific and long-lasting antidiuretic effect of this preparation was confirmed. During an observation period of 8–19 months it was found that intranasal administration of 1.25-10 μg of DDAVP twice daily was sufficient to normalize drinking and urine production in all the patients. No side effects were observed. It is concluded that DDAVP is a valuable alternative in the treatment of vasopressin sensitive diabetes insipidus in children, and that it is well suited for long-term use.