[Treatment of ADP responsive diabetes insipidus in children with DDAVP (1-desamino-8-D-arginine-vasopressin)].

Twenty children with diabetes inspidus, 19 children and adolescents and one baby of 2 months, were treated with DDAVP. The drug was very effective, the average urine volume being 1.7 L/24 hours. The control of the diuresis in the baby was very satisfactory. There were no secondary effects and the only episode of water intoxication occurred in a girl with corticosteroid deficiency which was not well controlled. The effects of this drug are discussed in the light of the biochemistry and pharmacology and the activity compared with that of Lysine vasopressin (LVP). Plasma levels of DDAVP and LVP showed that DDAVP persists for longer which may explain its greater potency and duration of action.