Highly porous and permeable polymers are produced by polymerisation of the continuous phase of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). The morphology and properties of the resulting PolyHIPE materials can be varied, allowing the materials to be optimised for a variety of applications. Void diameter is controlled from 1 to around 100 μm by altering the HIPE stability. Surface areas greater than 700 m2g−1 can be achieved by replacing some of the monomer phase with non‐polymerisable solvent, in conjunction with a high crosslink density and the use of a surfactant mixture that limits Ostwald ripening. PolyHIPEs can be produced in a variety of physical forms including large monolithic slabs, rods and flat relatively thin membranes. The materials are currently under investigation for use as electrochemical sensor membrane substrates and as porous matrices for cell culture.

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A 20-year-old fit male soldier presented on two separate occasions 16 months apart with severe, symptomatic hyponatraemia and a clinical and biochemical picture consistent with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). In the intervening period, repeated plasma sodium values were in the reference range. Intensive investigation failed to reveal a cause for SIADH that was initially considered idiopathic. The description of a family comprising several adults with intermittent or water load induced-hyponatraemia associated with an activating mutation in the arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptor type 2 (AVPR2) raised the question of whether our patient could have a similar 'nephrogenic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis'. Mutational screening of AVPR2 in our patient revealed a single missense mutation (R137C) in the second intracellular loop, which has been associated with constitutive activation of the AVPR2. In conclusion, adults with intermittent, severe hyponatraemia may have a constitutively activating mutation in the AVPR2 with resultant nephrogenic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis. Patients with idiopathic SIADH, particularly those with unmeasurable circulating AVP concentrations, should be considered for mutational screening of AVPR2.

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