Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition in which there is
progressive kidney failure in a person with cirrhosis of the
liver. It is a serious and often life-threatening complication
of cirrhosis. Causes, incidence, and risk factors Hepatorenal
syndrome occurs when there is a decrease in kidney function in a
person with a severe liver disorder. Because less urine is
removed from the body, nitrogen-containing waste products build
up in the bloodstream (azotemia The disorder occurs in up to 1
in 10 patients who are in the hospital due to liver failure. It
leads to kidney failure in people with: Risk factors include:
Signs and tests This condition is diagnosed when other causes of
kidney failure are ruled out by the appropriate tests. A
physical examination does not directly reveal kidney failure.
However, the exam will usually show signs of chronic liver
disease, including: Other signs include: Dull sound in the belly
area when tapped with the tips of the fingers Increased breast
tissue (gynecomastia) Sores (lesions