About 80% of lithium ingested appears to affect the proximal tubules by entering the collecting tubule cells through sodium channels, accumulating and interfering with the normal response to antidiuretic hormone in a mechanism that is not yet fully understood. High blood calcium causes natriuresis (increased sodium loss in the urine) and water diuresis, in part by its effect through the calcium-sensing receptor. Osmotic
Other causes of acquired nephrogenic diabetes insipidus include hypokalemia (low blood potassium), post-obstructive polyuria, sickle cell disease or trait, amyloidosis, Sjögren syndrome, renal cystic disease, Bartter syndrome, and various medications (amphotericin B, orlistat, ifosfamide, ofloxacin, cidofovir, vaptans).In addition to kidney and systemic disorders, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can present itself as a side effect of some medications. The most common and well known of these medications is lithium, although there are many other medications that cause this effect with lesser frequency. Hereditary
This form of diabetes insipidus can also be hereditary due to defects in the following genes:

Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis includes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, neurogenic/central diabetes insipidus and psychogenic polydipsia. They may be differentiated by using the water deprivation test. Recently, lab assays for antidiuretic hormone are available and can aid in diagnosis. If able to rehydrate properly, sodium concentration should be nearer to the maximum of the normal range.
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