Hepatorenal Syndrome

Nephrology

Overview

Definition

Functional renal failure in patients with severe liver disease.

Epidemiology

Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Splanchnic vasodilation causing profound renal vasoconstriction in cirrhosis.

Clinical Symptoms

  • Rapid rise in creatinine in a cirrhotic patient with ascites
  • bland urine.

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis of exclusion (failure to respond to fluid challenge).

Management

  • Midodrine
  • Octreotide
  • Albumin
  • Liver transplant (curative).

Complications

  • Death.