Role of renal replacement therapy in patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome receiving combination treatment of vasoconstrictor plus albumin

Purpose: Utilization of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in cirrhotic patients has been controversial and is typically dependent on the status of transplantation. A better understanding of the central role for arterial vasodilatation in the pathogenesis of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) has led to routine use of vasoconstrictors in combination with albumin as a medical therapy for HRS with prolonged patient survival. The role of RRT in HRS patients receiving such treatment, however, has not yet been examined. Methods: A total of 80 patients with type 1 HRS who received a combination therapy of vasoconstrictors and albumin were enrolled into a retrospective cohort study. The effects of RRT status on clinical outcome were analyzed. Results: Both short-term (30 days) and long-term (180 days) survival was similar between RRT and non-RRT groups of patients, but the length of hospital stay was significantly longer among patients in the RRT group, which remain unchanged despite adjustment of status for liver transplantation. Conclusions: Based on our observation, routine use of RRT may not be beneficial in patients with type 1 HRS receiving combination treatment of vasoconstrictor plus albumin. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and refine the specific indications for RRT in this patient population.