How does cirrhosis affect the kidneys?
1 Answer
Alterations in renal physiology due to acute cirrhosis can predispose patients to a specific functional form of renal failure known as hepatorenal syndrome.
Explanation:
Deteriorating liver function is believed to cause changes in the circulation that supplies the intestines, altering blood flow and blood vessel tone in the kidneys. Thus kidney failure is a consequence of these changes in the blood flow, rather than direct damage to the kidneys.
Occurrence could be due to infection, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or over use of diuretic medicines. It affects individuals with cirrhosis, severe alcoholic hepatitis or liver failure.
This could be a life threatening condition and the only long time treatment option for the condition is liver transplantation.
