Definition of Hepatorenal syndrome:

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, incidence, and risk factors:

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:

• Acute liver failure
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Cirrhosis

Other risk factors include:

• Blood pressure that falls when a person rises or suddenly changes position (orthostatic hypotension)
• Diuretic use
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Infection
• Recent abdominal paracentesis