Hepatorenal Syndrome

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Hepatorenal syndrome occurs when there is a decrease in kidney function in a person with a liver disorder. The most common symptom is decreased urine production. As a result of reduced elimination of urine, nitrogen-containing waste products accumulate in the blood stream (azotemia).

The exact cause of hepatorenal syndrome is unknown. For some reason, there is drastic reduction in blood flow to the kidneys. The kidney structure remains essentially normal and the kidneys often will instantly function well if the liver disease is corrected (for example, by liver transplantation).

The disorder occurs in up to 10% of patients hospitalized with liver failure. It may be a sign of impending death caused by the accumulated effects of liver damage and kidney failure in people with acute liver failure, cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis. It is diagnosed when other causes of kidney failure are ruled out.

Risk factors include cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, acute liver failure, recent abdominal paracentesis, infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, use of diuretics and the presence of orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure which falls when the person rises or suddenly changes position).