ISSN No. 2079-8547 (Recognized by PMDC)
DOES EVERY PATIENT WITH CIRRHOSIS HAVING RENAL IMPAIRMENT HAS HEPATORENAL SYNDROME
Abstract
Objective of the Study: To identify different causes of renal impairment in patients with cirrhosis.
Patient and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of
Hayatabad medical complex Peshawar. Patients with liver cirrhosis having ascites and impaired renal functions were
included in the study. Detailed history taking and relevant systemic examination were carried out. Relevant investigations
including hematological, biochemical, urinalysis, ascitic fluid analysis and radiological assessment were done
for all patients. All this information was entered into a specially designed proforma. All data was analyzed using SPSS
Program 10.0. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the study variables.
Results: A total of 70 patients with cirrhosis and ascites were included in this study out of which 39 (55.71 %) were
male and 31 (44.29 %) were female patients. Cirrhosis in 38 (54.28%) patients was due to hepatitis “C”, in 20 (28.57%)
patients it was due to hepatitis “B” while in 12 (17.15%) patients it was due to other causes. Among cause of renal
impairment hepatorenal syndrome was found in 34 (48.58%) patients, followed by hypovolemia in 23 (32.85%) and
spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in 8 (11.43%) patients among other causes.
Conclusion: Renal impairment in patients with cirrhosis is a relatively common and serious complication. Hepatorenal
syndrome is not the only cause to be considered in such patients and it should be the diagnosis of exclusion in these
patients. Among other causes which needs to be excluded include hypovolemia, intrinsic renal disease, active infection
or sepsis and diuretics and nephrotoxic drug usage.
Key Words: Hepatorenal syndrome, renal impairment, cirrhosis