Hepatorenal syndrome is a medical
condition characterized by the development of kidney failure in patients having
advanced, chronic liver disease. Nearly 40 % of patients having liver cirrhosis
and ascites (fluid collection in the abdominal cavity) stand a risk of
developing this condition. The resulting damage in the kidneys is functional,
not structural, and is believed to result from constriction of the renal
arteries, with concurrent vasodilatation in the body periphery. Type 1 hepatorenal
syndrome has an average survival of 2-10 weeks, while type 2 has a median
survival of 3-6 months. Liver transplantation is currently the only mode of
treatment in modern medicine, which can improve long term survival; however,
this procedure is prohibitively costly, involves a long waiting period, and has
the potential for serious complications.
Blood and urine tests
as well as other tests like abdominal ultrasonography may help diagnose other
causes of kidney failure, since hepatorenal syndrome is primarily a diagnosis
of exclusion. No specific modern medicine is currently known to be useful in
the treatment of this condition. It is important to look for precipitating
factors like infection and obstruction, which can be potentially treated
completely, with chances of reversing the condition. Paracentesis (removal of
accumulated water from the abdominal cavity) can relieve symptoms and may also
help partially reverse the condition.
Hepatorenal syndrome
is one medical condition where the timely institution of Ayurvedic herbal
treatment can dramatically change the characteristically poor prognosis of this
disease. Treated with high doses of herbal medicines, ascites can be virtually
cleared up within one to two months.
Depending upon the severity of liver and kidney damage, liver and kidney
parameters return to near normal levels within three to six months. It is
important to commence treatment at the earliest in order to get maximum beneficial
results.
It is equally
important to maintain the morale of the patient, since modern medicine has
little to offer other than liver transplantation, and most patients can be
devastated on receiving this information. Regular monitoring of the patient is
essential by different health professionals, including the nephrologist,
general physician, and nutritionist. This can help maintain the patient’s
health and day-to-day care, and detect any new or unforeseen medical
situations.
Ayurvedic
herbal medicines are usually continued in high doses till the patient is
completely asymptomatic, with stable liver and kidney parameters for at least
three to four months. After this, the dosage of medicines may be gradually
tapered with careful monitoring. In order to prevent a relapse, in most
patients, it is advisable to continue a few medicines for the kidney and liver
on a long term basis, or possibly, lifelong.
The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi, is available as an
Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and www.ayurvedaphysician.com For Ayurvedic herbal treatment of hepatorenal syndrome, kindly click here
Most patients can lead near normal
lives with a good quality of life, and with the minimum possible medication. Ayurvedic
herbal medicines can thus be utilized in the successful and comprehensive
management of hepatorenal syndrome.
