What is the definition of anuria in the setting of end-stage renal disease? | Rounds What is the definition of anuria in the setting of end-stage renal disease? | Rounds
Loading...

What is the definition of anuria in the setting of end-stage renal disease?

Medical Advisory Board
All articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board.

Educational purpose only · Not a substitute for professional judgment or the full text of guidelines and labels.

Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 14, 2026 · View editorial policy

Anuria in End-Stage Renal Disease

Anuria is a clinical descriptor of extremely low urine output in severe kidney failure. Anuria is commonly defined as urine output of less than 100 mL over 24 hours. [1]

Operational Urine Output Cutoff

  • Anuria is defined as a urine output of <100 mL in 24 hours. [1]
  • Some clinical references classify anuria as a urine output of <50 mL/day. [2]

Relation to ESRD

In end-stage renal disease, anuria refers to urine output meeting the above cutoff(s), regardless of the underlying mechanism (e.g., minimal residual kidney function or urinary tract obstruction). [1]

Distinction From Oliguria

  • Oliguria represents reduced urine output. [1]
  • Anuria represents near-cessation of urine output using a lower cutoff threshold than oliguria. [1]

Documentation for Clinical Use

  • Urine output should be measured as total urine volume over a 24-hour period and compared with the anuria cutoff (<100 mL/day or <50 mL/day depending on the definition used). [1], [2]

Common Clinical Contexts

Anuria is typically associated with severe acute kidney injury or advanced chronic kidney disease when residual urine production is minimal. [1], [3]

Related Questions