Desmopressin Lyophilisate for the Treatment of Central Diabetes Insipidus: First Experience in Very Young Infants

Introduction: in neonates and small infants, early diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus (cdi) and treatment with desmopressin in low doses (avoiding severe hypo- or hypernatremia) are important to prevent associated high morbidity and mortality in this particular age group. case presentation: we described pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic results of the use of recently launched oral desmopressin lyophilisate (minirin melt®) in two infants with cdi, diagnosed at the age of 12 and 62 days, respectively. we observed that a starting dose of 60 μg of minirin melt® in the first case resulted in a pharmacokinetic profile largely exceeding the reference frame observed in children with nocturnal enuresis, while a dose of 15 μg in the second case resulted in acceptable concentrations. after initial dose adjustments, administration of sublingual lyophilisate resulted in rather stable serum sodium concentrations. conclusions: using minirin melt® in infants with cdi appears to be effective, easy to use and well tolerated.