Hepatorenal Syndrome

A form of functional kidney failure in patients with advanced liver disease (cirrhosis) and portal hypertension, characterized by intense renal vasoconstriction without structural kidney damage. Type 1 HRS (HRS-AKI) is rapidly progressive with poor prognosis if untreated.

Quick Answer

What it is

A form of functional kidney failure in patients with advanced liver disease (cirrhosis) and portal hypertension, characterized by intense renal vasoconstriction without structural kidney damage. Type 1 HRS (HRS-AKI) is rapidly progressive with poor prognosis if untreated.

Key findings

  • Grade A: HRS Reversal (CONFIRM Trial) (Terlipressin (Terlivaz))
  • Grade A: HRS Reversal (Pooled Analysis) (Terlipressin (Terlivaz))
  • Grade A: Serum Creatinine Improvement (Terlipressin (Terlivaz))

Safety

  • SAFETY CONCERN: CONFIRM trial showed increased serious respiratory adverse events with terlipressin.
  • Black box warning: Risk of respiratory failure.
  • Avoid use if oxygen saturation <90%.
ℹ️ Quick Facts

Quick Facts: Hepatorenal Syndrome

  • Supplements Studied:1
1 supps · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

A
HRS Reversal (CONFIRM Trial)
CONFIRM Phase 3 trial (n=300): Verified HRS reversal achieved in 32% terlipressin vs 17% placebo (P=0.012). Led to FDA approval. Mean serum creatinine improvement significantly greater with terlipressin. Effects maintained through study duration.
large↑Improves
A
HRS Reversal (Pooled Analysis)
Pooled OT-0401 + REVERSE trials (n=308): HRS reversal 27% terlipressin vs 14% placebo (P=0.004). Mean serum creatinine difference -53.0 umol/L favoring terlipressin (P<0.0001). Consistent effect across both trials.
large↑Improves
A
Serum Creatinine Improvement
CONFIRM trial: Significant improvement in renal function with terlipressin vs placebo. 29% achieved kidney function improvement vs 16% placebo. Early treatment (<48h from diagnosis) associated with better outcomes.
moderate↑Improves
A
Respiratory Failure Risk
SAFETY CONCERN: CONFIRM trial showed increased serious respiratory adverse events with terlipressin. Black box warning: Risk of respiratory failure. Avoid use if oxygen saturation <90%. Higher risk in ACLF grade 3 patients. Patients with SCr >5 mg/dL unlikely to benefit.
moderate↑Worsens

Research Citations (37)

Multisystem hemodynamic effects of terlipressin in cirrhosis: A scoping review.
(2025)
PMID: 39955856
Terlipressin for the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
(2025)
PMID: 40207491
Terlipressin Administration Strategies in Hepatorenal Syndrome-Acute Kidney Injury: A Narrative Review of Continuous Infusion and Intermittent Bolus Approaches.
(2025)
PMID: 41314419
Terlipressin use in HRS-AKI and respiratory failure.
(2024)
PMID: 39073583
Safety and efficacy of continuous terlipressin infusion in HRS-AKI in a transplant population.
(2024)
PMID: 38771635
Incidence and type of adverse events in patients with cirrhosis receiving terlipressin: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
(2024)
PMID: 39298544
Comparative efficacy of terlipressin and norepinephrine for treatment of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
(2024)
PMID: 38285703
Early treatment with terlipressin in patients with hepatorenal syndrome yields improved clinical outcomes in North American studies
(2023)
PMID: 36633470
Terlipressin and the Treatment of Hepatorenal Syndrome: How the CONFIRM Trial Moves the Story Forward
(2022)
PMID: 34606933
Respiratory events with terlipressin and albumin in hepatorenal syndrome: A review and clinical guidance.
(2022)
PMID: 35838488

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