Diagnosis and management of ascites and hepatorenal syndrome (acute kidney injury) in cirrhosis

Ascites is the most common decompensation-defining complication of cirrhosis and represents a watershed moment, with median survival falling from>12 years for compensated cirrhosis to approximately 2  years. Treatment is based on reducing sodium intake and increasing renal sodium excretion with the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone at a starting dose of 100 mg daily, to which 60% respond. Renal dysfunction affects as many as 20% of hospitalized patients and is a strong predictor of mortalit y.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Management problems in liver disease Source Type: research