Oliguria: Causes and Effects of Decreased Urine Output

4. Pre-Renal Kidney Failure

When something disrupts blood flow to the kidneys, oliguria occurs because the organs cannot work properly and cannot make urine. Blood loss, heart disease, heart attack, some infections, liver failure, and severe allergic reactions can all block or slow blood flow. Dehydration and severe burns also fit into this category. Anything that lowers blood volume or leads to ineffective cardiac function can cause pre-renal kidney failure.