What does oliguria indicate in relation to preeclampsia?

Oliguria refers to a condition characterized by a significantly reduced urine output, typically defined as producing less than 400 milliliters of urine in a 24-hour period. In the context of preeclampsia, oliguria is a concerning sign that indicates potential renal impairment or dysfunction. Preeclampsia can lead to various complications, such as impaired kidney function, which may manifest as oliguria due to reduced blood flow to the kidneys or damage to the renal tissue. This decreased output is an important clinical finding that warrants further evaluation and management, as it may indicate escalating severity of the preeclampsia and a higher risk of complications for both the mother and the fetus.

In contrast, increased urine output or normal renal function would not align with the potential complications arising from preeclampsia. Additionally, a urinary tract infection typically presents with other symptoms, like dysuria or urgency, and would not solely manifest as oliguria without the presence of further indicators.