The pathophysiology of hepatorenal syndrome

This article is the first of a two-part series focussing on hepatorenal syndrome. Understanding pathophysiological changes can enhance the nursing and medical care given. The article explains the pathophysiology behind this severe complication and demonstrates how abnormal effects from a damaged liver can affect renal function. The author analyses the changes in liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension and ascites to explain the developments that result in hepatorenal syndrome. The pronounced vasodilation of the splanchnic area together with the intense renal vasoconstriction in hepatorenal syndrome result from multiple factors and have caused differing pathological theories over time. This article highlights how the beginnings of liver disease provide a platform for hepatorenal syndrome.