Oral administration of diluted nasal desmopressin in managing neonatal central diabetes insipidus.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal central diabetes insipidus (NCDI) remains a therapeutic challenge, as extremely low doses of enteral desmopressin cannot be titrated with current preparations. The aim of this study was to describe the use of orally administered dilute desmopressin in NCDI.

METHODS: Nasal desmopressin (100 μg/mL) was diluted in 0.9% saline to 10 μg/mL. Infants were treated with 1-5 μg and doses were titrated to a twice-daily regimen. The feed volume was 150 mL/kg/day and titrated according to weight gain.

RESULTS: Five infants aged 6-105 days were included. Stabilizing treatment doses ranged from 2 to 5 μg twice daily in neonates, and 12 μg twice daily in the older infant who was diagnosed at 105 days.

CONCLUSIONS: Dilution of nasal desmopressin with saline facilitates safe administration and dose titration in NCDI. We recommend considering this therapeutic approach to NCDI, particularly in small infants or where alternative treatment regimens have been unsuccessful.