Oliguria (Anuria) in Kidney Failure

Oliguria, also known as anuria, is a medical term referring to 24h urine output less than 400ml. Our kidneys are filtering organs that discharge toxins and excessive water in the form of urine. Oliguria is a symptom in kidney failure patients; reduced urine output often accompanies other conditions such as electrolyte disorders, fluid retention, etc, so people must be alert of the symptom and be clear what’s going on in themselves so as to know what to do in the next step.

Why kidney failure may cause oliguria (anuria)? Some conditions that reduce blood perfusion to the kidneys can cause oliguria; when one has severe blood loss due to traumas or surgeries, stoke, dehydration, thrombosis, renal arterial obstruction, etc. Some obstructive factors stop kidneys from filtering blood effectively and cause anuria, including ureter or pelvic stone, urinary tract stone, prostatic hyperplasia, tumor, etc.

In the above-mentioned conditions, people get acute kidney failure, by controlling the inducing condition effectively people can gradually recover their kidney functions and produce urine as normal. In most other cases, anuria is related to end-stage kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease gradually impair functioning renal cells and reduce renal functions, and when the disease progresses to end-stage, the kidneys are so severely impaired that they can no longer as effectively, thus causing retention of fluid in bloodstream and reduced urine output. Hence, anuria/ oliguria is a sign for worsening renal condition in the patients.

Clinically, kidney failure is defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) lower than 15. Having urine is a good sign because that means certain part of renal intrinsic cells are still functioning. Timely treatment to block further deterioration of the illness condition and protect residual functioning renal cells is essential at this point. A person with anuria should also restrict their intake of sodium and limit their intake of water; at the meantime, maintain balances of electrolytes and strictly limit intake of such rich sodium content foods as oranges, bananas, mushroom, seaweeds, nori, etc. Consult an expert doctor to make a suitable dietary/treatment plan based on your specific illness condition. For the same concern, you may also contact us directly.