From the Guidelines
The medical term "nonoliguric" refers to a condition where kidney function is impaired but urine output remains normal or even increased, despite the kidneys' reduced ability to filter waste products from the blood. This condition is characterized by the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine, leading to a normal or increased urine output, typically more than 400-500 mL per day, as opposed to oliguria, which is defined as a urine output of less than 400 ml/day, equivalent to 0.24 ml/kg/h in a 70-kg patient 1. Some key points to consider about nonoliguric renal failure include:
- It is a form of acute kidney injury where patients continue to produce adequate amounts of urine, but the quality of filtration is compromised, leading to the accumulation of waste products like creatinine and urea in the blood.
- The pathophysiology involves damage to the kidney tubules that impairs their ability to concentrate urine, while glomerular filtration is reduced but still allows for significant urine production.
- Nonoliguric renal failure generally has a better prognosis than oliguric forms because the continued urine flow helps prevent fluid overload and allows for easier management of electrolyte imbalances and medication dosing. It's essential to note that the definition and understanding of oliguria and nonoliguric conditions are based on studies like the one published in Kidney International in 2015 1, which provides valuable insights into the complex process of kidney function and injury.
From the Research
Definition of Nonoliguric
- Nonoliguric refers to a condition where urine output is maintained or increased, as opposed to oliguria, which is characterized by decreased urine output.
- In the context of acute renal failure, nonoliguric acute renal failure is a condition where the kidneys are unable to function properly, but urine output is still maintained 2.
Medical Term for Nonoliguric
- The medical term for nonoliguric is often used in the context of acute renal failure, where it is referred to as nonoliguric acute renal failure or non-oliguric acute kidney injury (AKI) 2, 3.
- Nonoliguric AKI is defined as a condition where the serum creatinine concentrations increase by 3-fold, but without severe oliguria 3.
Characteristics of Nonoliguric AKI
- Nonoliguric AKI is often associated with less morbidity and mortality than oliguric AKI 2.
- Patients with nonoliguric AKI tend to have better outcomes than those with oliguric AKI, with lower rates of requiring acute dialysis, long-term dialysis, and hospital mortality 3.
- Nonoliguric AKI can be caused by a variety of factors, including pre- and post-renal azotemia, renal parenchymal disorders, and acute tubular necrosis 2.