1.Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Ramadan Fasting in Patients with Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Suprhamanyam Evali ; Nur Arina binti Mohammed Zain ; Nao Chang Zhao ; Noor Ashikin binti Ismail ; Dineash Kumar Kannesan ; Nurain binti Mohd Noor
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):80-81
Introduction:
Arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D) is characterized
by impaired antidiuretic hormone secretion, leading to
polyuria and a significant dehydration risk. The British
Islamic Medical Association classifies AVP-D as a “very
high risk” condition, advising against Ramadan fasting. However, many patients fast due to religious convictions,
creating a gap between clinical guidelines and patient
practice. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes and
safety of fasting in this population.
Methodology:
A single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted
at Hospital Putrajaya. We included adults with
permanent AVP-D on desmopressin therapy for more
than 1 year who fasted during Ramadan 2025. Data were
extracted from electronic medical records and patient
consultations. Primary outcomes included hospitalization
rates, dehydration symptoms, and desmopressin dose
adjustments.
Results:
Of the 43 patients (mean age 42.4 ± 15.28 years; 53.5%
female), 27 successfully fasted for a mean of 27.6 ± 6.56
days. Pre-Ramadan counseling was documented in only
55.8% of cases. While 25.9% of participants experienced
dehydration symptoms (thirst, dizziness), and 22.2% broke
their fast for safety reasons, there were no hospitalizations.
None of the patients required additional desmopressin
dose adjustments. Most patients (66.7%) maintained twicedaily desmopressin dosing (Sahur and Iftar). Anterior
pituitary deficiencies were present in 70.3% of the cohort.
Conclusion
Despite being classified as very high risk, many AVP-D
patients safely complete Ramadan fasting without severe
adverse events. However, the high rate of dehydration
symptoms and the significant gap in pre-Ramadan
counseling (44.2% un-counseled) highlight the need for
structured clinical reviews 4–6 weeks prior to Ramadan to
optimize hydration and dosing
Humans
;
Diabetes Insipidus, Neurogenic
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Arginine
;
Fasting


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