Vasopressin-Resistant Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

Polyuria and polydipsia developed in two cases during amphotericin B therapy for deep mycoses. Neither patient could concentrate his urine in response to water deprivation or exogenous vasopressin. Other causes of vasopressin-resistant nephrogenic diabetes insipidus were not present. Three months after amphotericin B therapy had been discontinued, concentrating ability improved toward normal. A third patient was further observed and demonstrated normal diluting capacity but impaired free-water reabsorption, suggesting a distal tubular defect consistent with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Four months after discontinuing therapy, renal concentrating ability was normal. Amphotericin B can induce a reversible form of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. ( Arch Intern Med 139:86-88, 1979)