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Endocrine Abstracts (2021) 73 EP173 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.73.EP173

Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology


Introduction

Psychogenic polydipsia (PPD), also known as self-induced water intoxication, is mostly seen in psychiatric populations. PPD can lead to life threatening complications and may even be lethal if not diagnosed and treated early. The aim of this study is to determine the clinical and biological features of PPD.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study including 11 patients consulting for polydipsia at the department of endocrinology at Hedi Chaker-hospital Sfax-Tunisia, between 2000 and 2020.

Results

Mean age was 39.6 years old, with no sex predilection (6 males and 5 females).

Family history of diabetes mellitus was observed in 6 patients. A history of psychiatric illness was found in 33.5% of patients. Average duration of symptoms was 2.6 years (range:5 months-5 years). Polydipsia was abruptly onset in 4 cases. The anamnesis revealed a pituitary tumor syndrome in 4 patients. On examination, none of our patients showed signs of dehydration. The natraemia varied between 136 and 141 mmol/l. No cases of hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, diabetes, or renal failure were found. The mean quantified diuresis was 5.8 l/24 h with a maximum of 9.5 l/24 h. The mean urine specific gravity was 1003. The mean urinary osmolality was 177.3 mOsmol/kg. All patients underwent an indirect water deprivation test (WDT) combined with the administration of desmopressin that concluded to PPD in all cases. Magnetic resonance imaging of the hypothalamic–pituitary region was performed in 6 patients and showed microadenoma in 2 cases and partial empty sella in one patient.

Conclusion

PPD is common in patients with psychiatric personality and psychosis such as schizophrenia and psychotic depression. Though no specific treatment has been established for PPD, its management includes water restriction cognitive behavioral therapy.

Volume 73

European Congress of Endocrinology 2021

Online
22 May 2021 - 26 May 2021

European Society of Endocrinology 

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