Clinical profile of renal dysfunction in cirrhotic liver

Abstract

Objectives: Renal dysfunction is a serious complication in patients with cirrhosis and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Renal failure in cirrhosis is one of the most important risk factors when liver transplantation is being considered. The present study was carried out to analyze the profile of renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: In this retrospective study we have included the medical records of one hundred cirrhotic patients admitted in Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital / Madras Medical College, Chennai. The definite etiology for chronic liver disease was noted. Clear definitions were used to define cirrhosis and etiologies of renal dysfunction. Chi-square test and odds ratio were used to measure the strength of association. Results: The mean age of patients was 48.32 10.19 years. The most common type of renal dysfunction was AKI (12%, 12/100) followed by HRS (7%, 7/100) and CKD (3%, 3/100). There is no significant association between the etiologies of cirrhosis and renal disorders (P = 0.25). There is a significant increase in the number of renal disorder with increase in the severity of cirrhosis (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Renal dysfunction has occurred in 22% of patients with cirrhosis and the most common cause is AKI (54%). Chronic kidney injury appears to be a rare diagnosis as seen in 3% of the cirrhotic patients. This study highlights the fact that we should take utmost care in treating chronic liver disease patients with regard to their renal function. Therefore early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of renal dysfunction can reduce the morbidity and mortality.