Diagnostic accuracy of copeptin in the differential diagnosis of the polyuria-polydipsia syndrome: a prospective multicenter study

K Timper, W Fenske, F Kühn, N Frech… - The Journal of …, 2015 - academic.oup.com
K Timper, W Fenske, F Kühn, N Frech, B Arici, J Rutishauser, P Kopp, B Allolio, C Stettler…
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2015academic.oup.com
Context: The polyuria-polydipsia syndrome comprises primary polydipsia (PP) and central
and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (DI). Correctly discriminating these entities is
mandatory, given that inadequate treatment causes serious complications. The diagnostic
“gold standard” is the water deprivation test with assessment of arginine vasopressin (AVP)
activity. However, test interpretation and AVP measurement are challenging. Objective: The
objective was to evaluate the accuracy of copeptin, a stable peptide stoichiometrically …
Context
The polyuria-polydipsia syndrome comprises primary polydipsia (PP) and central and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (DI). Correctly discriminating these entities is mandatory, given that inadequate treatment causes serious complications. The diagnostic “gold standard” is the water deprivation test with assessment of arginine vasopressin (AVP) activity. However, test interpretation and AVP measurement are challenging.
Objective
The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of copeptin, a stable peptide stoichiometrically cosecreted with AVP, in the differential diagnosis of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome.
Design, Setting, and Patients
This was a prospective multicenter observational cohort study from four Swiss or German tertiary referral centers of adults >18 years old with the history of polyuria and polydipsia.
Measurements
A standardized combined water deprivation/3% saline infusion test was performed and terminated when serum sodium exceeded 147 mmol/L. Circulating copeptin and AVP levels were measured regularly throughout the test. Final diagnosis was based on the water deprivation/saline infusion test results, clinical information, and the treatment response.
Results
Fifty-five patients were enrolled (11 with complete central DI, 16 with partial central DI, 18 with PP, and 10 with nephrogenic DI). Without prior thirsting, a single baseline copeptin level >21.4 pmol/L differentiated nephrogenic DI from other etiologies with a 100% sensitivity and specificity, rendering a water deprivation testing unnecessary in such cases. A stimulated copeptin >4.9 pmol/L (at sodium levels >147 mmol/L) differentiated between patients with PP and patients with partial central DI with a 94.0% specificity and a 94.4% sensitivity. A stimulated AVP >1.8 pg/mL differentiated between the same categories with a 93.0% specificity and a 83.0% sensitivity.
Limitation
This study was limited by incorporation bias from including AVP levels as a diagnostic criterion.
Conclusion
Copeptin is a promising new tool in the differential diagnosis of the polyuria-polydipsia syndrome, and a valid surrogate marker for AVP.
Primary Funding Sources
Swiss National Science Foundation, University of Basel.
Oxford University Press