Liver Failure Symptoms; What Happens When Liver Shuts Down?

Hepatorenal syndrome

Hepatorenal syndrome is a renal failure despite normal kidney histology. The hallmark of hepatorenal syndrome is renal vasoconstriction. Three mechanisms can explain this syndrome:

The hepatorenal syndrome has two types;

1. Type 1 progresses rapidly with a high mortality rate. There is a doubling of serum creatine to a level greater than 2.5 mg/dl in less than two weeks.
2. Type 2 progresses slowly with serum creatine of more than 1.5 mg/dl with a better prognosis.

Treatment of hepatorenal syndrome:

• Albumin infusion
• Systemic vasoconstrictors e, g. octreotide
• Liver transplantation is the best option.