Hypothalamic adipsic syndrome: diagnosis and management

Abstract

Patients with hypothalamic adipsic syndrome, especially in conjunction with diabetes insipidus, pose management difficulties. They are at risk of both under- and over-hydration. We present 4 patients with hypothalamic adipsic syndromes, due to different causes, illustrating the practical difficulties encountered in this condition. The principles of management, with a sliding scale of water intake related to changes in daily body weight, are discussed.