Scientists from the University of Basel found that a salt solution test can determine whether a person is dehydrated due to psychological problems or a serious illness (deficiency of the hormone vasopressin). The study was published in the journal NEJM.
Vasopressin is a hormone secreted by the brain (pituitary gland). It regulates the water and salt content in the body. In case of deficiency, a person’s urine becomes very diluted, the person loses large amounts of fluid and experiences extreme thirst. Excessive water consumption can be life-threatening.
To check whether a person has vasopressin deficiency, a test is used in which saline solution or the amino acid arginine is injected intravenously. Both drugs increase blood levels of vasopressin. If a person has a deficiency, administration of these drugs will not lead to an increase in urine concentration.
In a new study of 158 patients, researchers showed that saline injections provided the correct diagnosis in more than 95% of patients. However, testing using arginine solution resulted in a correct diagnosis in only 75% of cases.
People who drink more than three liters of fluid per day may suffer from vasopressin deficiency, but for most this is a harmless habit that can only be resolved with the help of a therapist. Failure to distinguish between these two diseases can be fatal. The scientists’ findings mean that the salt solution test is more accurate.
Previous scientists I learnedthat excess iron can lead to blindness.