Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH

Clinical syndrome defined by a excessive secretion of ADH.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Pathophysiology

Causes of SIADH can be classified into:

  • Primary CNS
    • CVA
    • Haemorrhage
    • Infection
    • Trauma
    • TBI
    • Psychosis
  • Respiratory
    • Pneumonia
      • Aspergillus
    • Tuberculosis
    • Asthma
    • Atelectasis
    • Acute respiratory failure
    • Pneumothorax
  • Hormonal
    • Hypothyroidism
    • Hypopituitarism
  • Malignancy
    • Paraneoplastic syndrome
      Classically small cell lung carcinoma.
    • Neuroblastoma
  • Infective
    • HIV
  • Congenital
  • Surgery
  • Drugs
    • Anti-convulsants
      • Carbamazepine
      • Sodium valproate
    • Anti-depressants
      • SSRIs
      • MAO-Is
      • TCAs
    • Antipsychotics
      • Haloperidol
    • Analgesics
      • Opioids
      • NSAIDs
    • Exogenous ADH
      • Vasopressin
      • DDAVP
      • Oxytocin
    • Other
      • Amiodarone
      • Bromocriptine
      • Ciprofloxacin
      • Interferon-alpha
      • Interferon-gamma
      • MDMA
        Ecstasy.
  • Exercise associated
  • Primary polydipsia
  • Idiopathic

Clinical Manifestations

Diagnostic Approach and DDx

Diagnostic criteria:

  • Hypotonic hyponatraemia
  • Urine osmolality > plasma osmolality
  • Absence of other factors affecting ADH secretion:
    • Hypotension
    • Hypovolaemia
    • Drugs
    • Oedema
  • Corrected by water restriction

Investigations

Management

  • Fluid restriction
  • Hypertonic saline for severe or recalcitrant cases
    Avoid correction >10mmol/24 hours.

Specific therapy:

  • Pharmacological
    • Sodium
    • Vasopressin receptor antagonists
    • Fludrocortisone
  • Physical
    • Fluid restriction

Marginal and Ineffective Therapies


References

  1. Sahay M, Sahay R. Hyponatremia: A practical approach. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2014;18(6):760-771. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.141320.