Keywords
Abstract
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe complication that occurs during the decompensation of liver cirrhosis. Although the most characteristic feature of the syndrome is functional renal failure due to severe renal vasoconstriction, this process is a more general process that also affects the heart and brain. There are two types of HRS. Type 1 HRS is marked by a rapidly progressive deterioration of circulatory and renal functions associated with a very poor prognosis (median survival is less than 2 weeks). Type 2 HRS is characterized by stable impairment of blood circulation and renal function, with an average survival of 6 months The primary culprit behind HRS is the expansion of vessels in the portal system, leading to decreased blood flow to the heart and ultimately lower blood volume leaving it. Treating HRS includes administering albumin or vasoconstrictors intravenously or correcting portal hypertension with a transjugular intrahepatic portacaval shunt; each of these treatments may serve as a bridge to liver transplantation, which is the preferred solution for these patients.