Hepatorenal Syndrome

Question 1

What is hepatorenal syndrome?

Answer 1

Impaired kidney function caused by changes in blood flow to kidneys from liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of hepatorenal syndrome?

Answer 2

Portal hypertension causes portal vessels to release vasodilators
This causes vasodilation of splanchnic circulation
Vasodilation = reduced BP
Kidneys respond to reduced BP by activating RAAS system and causing vasoconstriction of kidney vessels
Renal vasoconstriction and low BP causes kidneys to be starved of blood
Reduces kidney function

Question 3

What is the prognosis of hepatorenal syndrome?

Answer 3

1 week

Question 4

What is the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome?

Answer 4

Liver transplant