Definition:
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) refers to acute renal failure that arises in the setting of cirrhosis or fulminant liver failure associated with portal hypertension, generally in the absence of other disease of the kidney.
Diagnosis:
The major criteria include liver disease in the setting of portal hypertension; renal failure; the absence of shock, infection, recent treatment with medications that affect the kidney's function, and fluid losses, among others.
Treatment:
Treatment is aimed at improving liver function and ensuring that the amount of blood in the body and the heart pumping action are enough. The disorder is typically treated in the same manner as kidney failure from any other cause. Dialysis may generally improve symptoms. There are medications such as albumin, octreotide, and dopamine which may be used as a temporary measure to improve kidney function.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms include: decreased urine production; dark-colored urine; yellow skin; weight gain; abdominal swelling; change in mental status (dementia, delirium, confusion); caorse muscle movements (jerking); and nausea and vomiting.
Causes:
In some patients, HRS may arise spontaneously, whereas in others, it may be associated with infections, acute alcoholic hepatitis, or large-volume paracentesis without albumin replacement. Hepatorenal syndrome occurs when there is a decrease in kidney function in an individual with a liver disorder. The most common symptom is the reduction in urine production. As a result of reduced elimination of urine, nitrogen-containing waste products collect in the blood stream.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
