oliguria

Full Definition

A clinical sign characterized by abnormally low urine production, defined as less than 0.5 mL/kg/hour in adults or less than 1 mL/kg/hour in children. In surgical critical care, oliguria often signals acute kidney injury, hypovolemia, or inadequate perfusion pressure. It serves as an important marker for fluid resuscitation adequacy and may indicate the need for renal replacement therapy. Oliguria can result from prerenal, intrarenal, or postrenal causes and requires prompt evaluation and intervention.

In Context

• "The patient developed oliguria postoperatively despite adequate fluid resuscitation." — Postoperative progress note
• "Oliguria prompted initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy in the ICU." — Critical care documentation