Advances in the diagnosis and management of hepatorenal syndrome: insights into HRS-AKI and liver transplantation

Abstract

In hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI), accurate and early diagnosis is crucial. HRS is a severe condition seen in advanced cirrhosis, requiring prompt recognition and proper management to enhance patient outcomes. Diagnosis of HRS-AKI relies on serum creatinine elevations, similar to other AKI cases in cirrhosis. However, distinguishing HRS-AKI from other renal impairments in these patients can be challenging. Biomarkers and clinical criteria aid in diagnosis and guide treatment. The management of HRS-AKI initially involves improving the haemodynamic profile using albumin and vasoconstrictors like terlipressin, a synthetic vasopressin analogue. Despite some reports linking terlipressin to increased adverse events compared with norepinephrine, it remains the preferred choice in HRS-AKI and acute-on-chronic liver failure due to its faster, stronger response and improved survival. Additional therapies like midodrine (alpha-1 adrenergic agonist), octreotide (somatostatin analogue) and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are proposed as adjuvant treatments for HRS-AKI, aiming to improve vasoconstriction and renal blood flow. However, these adjunctive therapies cannot replace the definitive treatment for HRS-AKI—liver transplantation (LT). In cases unresponsive to medical management, LT is the only option to restore liver function and improve renal outcomes. Current evidence favours combined liver and kidney transplantation (CLKT) in certain situations. This review aims to evaluate the present evidence and recommendations on AKI in patients with cirrhosis, the pathophysiology of HRS-AKI, different treatments and indications for LT and CLKT. Understanding the complexities of managing HRS-AKI is crucial for optimising patient care and achieving better outcomes in this challenging clinical setting.