Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is hepatorenal syndrome?
- How common is hepatorenal syndrome?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of hepatorenal syndrome?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes hepatorenal syndrome?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of developing hepatorenal syndrome?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are the treatment options for hepatorenal syndrome?
- What are the usual tests for hepatorenal syndrome?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat hepatorenal syndrome?
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Definition
What is hepatorenal syndrome?
Hepatorenal syndrome is a symptom of kidney failure that begins with advanced liver disease. Hepatorenal syndrome is a serious complication of cirrhosis of the liver and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Hepatorenal syndrome is not transmitted from person to person or from parent to child.
How common is hepatorenal syndrome?
Hepatorenal syndrome occurs in about 10 percent of people hospitalized for liver failure. This syndrome can appear in people who have chronic liver disease, both men and women.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of hepatorenal syndrome?
The signs and symptoms of hepatorenal syndrome are:
- Feeling weak, lethargic, and not feeling energized
- Unwell
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing skin
- The stomach and legs are swollen
- Weight gain
- Delirious or dazed
Other symptoms of hepatorenal syndrome are an enlarged liver and spleen, reduced muscle mass, muscle cramps, tremors, red palms, and veins that look like cobwebs (usually on the upper chest).
Kidney failure causes you to urinate less and darker urine. This condition can also cause fluid to build up in the body, causing certain parts of your body to experience inflammation.
There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have any questions about this sign, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms above or have any questions, consult your doctor. Every body acts differently from one another. Always discuss with your doctor to get the best solution for your condition.
Cause
What causes hepatorenal syndrome?
Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition that occurs when the kidneys stop working in people with serious liver problems. As a result, a person rarely urinate so that waste products that contain nitrogen accumulate in the bloodstream (azotemia).
Some of the liver disorders that trigger hepatorenal syndrome are:
- Acute liver failure
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
Risk factors
What increases my risk of developing hepatorenal syndrome?
Some of the risk factors for hepatorenal syndrome are:
- Acute liver failure
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Septic cirrhotic peritonitis
In addition, sudden drop in blood pressure due to medications, dehydration, and blood loss are factors that also cause hepatorenal syndrome.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are the treatment options for hepatorenal syndrome?
Treatment aims to improve liver function and ensure that the body has adequate blood volume for other organs. The doctor may give you fluids through an IV to try to increase the volume and flow of blood into the kidneys.
People with ascites may also need drainage (paracentesis). Ascites is additional fluid in the abdominal cavity. People with cirrhosis and ascites should be very careful when taking new drugs, especially those that are toxic to the kidneys, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
A drug called vasopressin may be given to help blood flow into the kidneys. Octreotide, midodrine, albumin, or dopamine may also be given to maintain adequate blood flow. Generally, these medications are used temporarily to prevent deterioration of kidney function until a liver transplant can be performed.
The only effective treatment for hepatorenal syndrome is a liver transplant.
What are the usual tests for hepatorenal syndrome?
The doctor makes a diagnosis based on medication history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Blood tests will show low sodium levels, as well as high blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Low blood protein levels and abnormal clotting times may occur. People with mental changes may have high blood levels of ammonia because of complications from liver failure.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat hepatorenal syndrome?
Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that may help treat hepatorenal syndrome are:
- Remember that as liver function improves, the kidneys also improve.
- Routinely consult a doctor to monitor the progress of your disease and health condition.
- Eat a nutritious and healthy diet.
- Use the medicine according to the doctor's instructions.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.