ICU Map
endocrine / metabolic

Polyuria with Rising Sodium / Suspected AVP Deficiency

High urine output with hypernatremia: distinguish AVP deficiency from osmotic diuresis, restore circulation first when depleted, replace free water, and use desmopressin with close sodium/urine monitoring.

Recognize

  • Quantify urine output and measure serum sodium/osmolality plus urine osmolality. Very dilute urine in a hyperosmolar/hypernatremic patient suggests AVP deficiency, but hyperglycemia, mannitol, diuretics, high urea load, post-obstructive diuresis and recovery from AKI can mimic the presentation.

Restore circulation first

  • If intravascular volume is depleted or shock is present, restore circulation with isotonic crystalloid before attempting to replace the full free-water deficit. Hypovolemia is the immediate threat even when the sodium is high.

Replace water

  • Once circulation is secure, replace ongoing water losses and the calculated deficit using enteral water when safe or IV dextrose-containing free water when needed. Individualize the correction rate to acuity/duration of hypernatremia and neurologic risk; avoid rapid sodium shifts.

Desmopressin

Monitor

Context

Direct evidence for this problem

1 source
guideline•2018
Inpatient Management of Cranial Diabetes Insipidus ↗

Inpatient central DI/AVP-deficiency fluid, desmopressin and sodium-monitoring guidance.

Evidence status

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