the context of acute tubular necrosis (ATN), non-oliguric renal failure means that despite the kidney injury, the patient continues to produce urine at a relatively normal or only slightly reduced rate. This can be differentiated with oliguric renal failure, where there is a marked decrease in urine output.
Non-oliguric renal failure in ATN may occur for several reasons. One is that the injury primarily affects the renal tubules responsible for filtering and concentrating urine, while sparing other parts of the kidney involved in urine production. Additionally, compensatory mechanisms within the kidney may allow for continued urine production despite tubular damage.
Clinically, non-oliguric renal failure in ATN may present with similar symptoms as oliguric renal failure, such as fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and uremia. However, the absence of oliguria may lead to a delay in recognizing the severity of kidney injury.