Effects of low-dose dopamine therapy in the oliguric patient with preeclampsia

Central hemodynamic and renal responses to low-dose dopamine (1 to 5 μg/kg/min) infusion were studied in six oliguric (μ0.5 ml/kg/hr) patients with severe preeclampsia. Hemodynamic parameters were measured and renal function tests were done before and during therapy. There was a significant rise in urine output from a mean (±SD) of 21 ± 10 to 43 ± 23 ml/hr, accompanied by a rise in cardiac output from 6.8 ± 1.8 to 8.0 ± 2.3 L/min (p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant changes in blood pressure, central venous pressure, or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. The fractional excretion of sodium, negative free water clearance, and osmolar clearance tended to rise during dopamine therapy. No adverse maternal or fetal effects occurred. We conclude that low-dose dopamine produces a significant increase in urine production with resolution of oliguria in severe preeclampsia.