The Kidney in Hepatic Disease

Abstract

In recent years the spontaneous development of azotemia and oliguric renal failure in decompensated cirrhosis has emerged as a separate clinical entity. No cause or consistent precipitating factor has been recognized. The major disturbances of renal tubular function in advanced cirrhosis are excessive reabsorption of sodium and impaired water excretion. Treatment is mainly supportive. Diuretics and paracentesis are best avoided.