KIDNEY INJURY AND ELECTROLYTE ABNORMALITIES IN LIVER FAILURE

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), a severe form of kidney impairment secondary to liver failure, underscores the complex interplay between the liver and kidneys, with significant implications for both renal function and electrolyte homeostasis in patients with advanced liver disease. This intricate relationship is further evidenced by the high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in individuals with liver disease, especially in severe cases. Study type: Descriptive, cross sectional study. Study place: Department of Medicine, PAEC General Hospital, Islamabad. Study duration: April 2025 to June 2025. Materials & Methods: Regardless of gender, all patients aged 18 to 85 who reported having liver failure were included. Exclusion criteria included small size echogenic kidneys, a history of recent urological intervention, upper gastrointestinal bleeding within the previous four weeks, a history of diuretic treatment, any IV fluid therapy, a history of recurrent vomiting, and persistent diarrhea. Then 3 ml venous blood sample of each patient was taken by the researcher himself and sent to the institutional laboratory measuring serum sodium levels and serum creatinine levels. Report were analyzed and acute kidney Injury and hyponatremia (present/absent) was noted. All patients were managed as per ward protocol. Patients were followed and survivors/non-survivors were noted. Frequency of AKI and hyponatremia were calculated in survivors and non survivors. Results: My study indicates that 28 (23.53%) and 40 (33.61%) of patients with liver failure had acute renal damage and hyponatremia, respectively. AKI and hyponatremia were found in 80.0% and 66.67% of non-survivors and 15.38% and 28.85% of survivors, respectively. Conclusion: According to the study's findings, patients with liver failure had a relatively high incidence of acute renal damage and hyponatremia.