EFFECTS OF DDAVP, A SYNTHETIC ANALOGUE OF VASOPRESSIN, IN PATIENTS WITH CRANIAL DIABETES INSIPIDUS

Abstract

Abstract DDAVP, 1‐deamino‐8‐D‐arginine vasopressin, is a synthetic analogue of vasopressin with a higher anti‐diuretic potency, less vasopressor activity, and a longer duration of action than the vasopressin preparations at present in clinical use. The effects of DDAVP have been studied in ten patients with vasopressin sensitive diabetes insipidus previously treated with 8‐lysine vasopressin, chlorpropamide, chlorthalidone, or combinations of these substances. Five patients were given 1 or 2 μg DDAVP i.v., and the effect of these amounts lasted from 5 to more than 12 hours compared with 45–90 min for corresponding amount of 8‐lysine vasopressin. In all ten patients DDAVP administered intranasally in doses of 15 μg one to three times daily normalized the urine production also in cases where previous therapy had failed. No side‐effects have been observed during treatment with DDAVP for 6–12 months. It is concluded that DDAVP, because of its freedom from side‐effects and long duration of action, is a safe and effective substance in the treatment of cranial diabetes insipidus.