Polyuria refers to excessive urine output.
Polyuria is defined as > 40 mL of urine per kg body weight within 24 hours. This does not stipulate adjusting body weight for obesity.
Causes of polyuria:
(1) diabetes mellitus
(2) diabetes insipidus
(2a) pituitary
(2b) renal (nephrogenic)
(2c) transient vasopressin-resistance during pregnancy
(3) polydipsia (psychogenic, iatrogenic, other)
(4) diuresis (including caffeine)
The polyuria secondary to diuresis is transient unless associated with polydipsia.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Nephrology, Clinical Laboratory
