Definition for hepatorenal syndrome

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) refers to acute renal failure that occurs in the setting of cirrhosis or fulminant liver failure associated with portal hypertension, usually in the absence of other disease of the kidney. more

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) refers to acute renal failure that occurs in the setting of cirrhosis or fulminant liver failure associated with portal hypertension, usually in the absence of other disease of the kidney. The pathology involved in the development of hepatorenal syndrome is thought to be an alteration in blood flow and blood vessel tone in the circulation that supplies the intestines (the splanchnic circulation) and the circulation that supplies the kidney. It is usually indicative of an end-stage of perfusion, or blood flow to the kidney, due to deteriorating liver function. Patients with hepatorenal syndrome are very ill, and, if untreated, the condition is usually fatal. Treatment usually involves medical therapy or TIPS as a bridge to liver transplantation. less