Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Hepatorenal syndrome

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male urinary system
Male urinary system

Definition    Return to top

Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition in which the kidneys fail suddenly in a person with cirrhosis of the liver. It is a serious complication of cirrhosis.

Causes    Return to top

Hepatorenal syndrome occurs when there is a decrease in kidney function in a person with a liver disorder. Because less urine is removed from the body, nitrogen-containing waste products build up in the bloodstream (azotemia).

The disorder occurs in up to 10% of patients hospitalized with liver failure. It is caused by the built-up effects of liver damage and kidney failure in people with:

Other risk factors include:

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

This condition is diagnosed when other causes of kidney failure are ruled out.

A physical examination will not directly reveal kidney failure. However, the exam will usually show signs of chronic liver disease:

Other signs include:

The following may be signs of kidney failure:

The following may be signs of liver failure:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment aims to improve liver function and ensure that there is enough blood in the body and the heart is pumping adequately.

The disorder is generally treated in the same way as kidney failure from any other cause.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The predicted outcome is poor. Death usually occurs as a result of secondary infections or hemorrhage.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

This disorder most often is diagnosed in the hospital during treatment for a liver disorder.

References    Return to top

Cárdenas A, Gines P. Hepatorenal syndrome. Clin Liver Dis. 2006;10:371-385.

Schuppan D, Afdhal NH. Liver cirrhosis. Lancet. 2008;371:838-851.

Update Date: 5/20/2008

Updated by: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.