PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATORENAL SYNDROME AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING MEDYLIFE HEALTHCARE HOSPITAL, GHANA
Sr No:
Page No:
36-50
Language:
English
Authors:
Aquel Rene Lopez*, Priscilla Oforiwaa, Akwesi Afriyie Achiampong, Prince Adoba, Robert Acquah
Received:
2025-10-16
Accepted:
2025-12-12
Published Date:
2025-12-24
Abstract:
Background: Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a life-threatening complication of
advanced liver disease, characterized by functional renal failure and poor prognosis. Evidence on
its burden and associated factors in Ghana remains scarce.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May
2025 among 80 adult patients with liver disease. Sociodemographic and clinical data were
obtained using structured questionnaires. Venous blood samples were analyzed for liver and
renal function parameters using a fully automated chemistry analyzer. Data were analyzed with
SPSS version 26.0. Associations were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation and binary
logistic regression, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Liver disease was diagnosed in 68.8% of participants, among whom 58.2% had
hepatorenal syndrome. The prevalence of HRS was higher in females (68.0%) than males
(50.0%), though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.178). Renal dysfunction
was widespread: 93.8% of participants had reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, and
98.8% had elevated blood urea nitrogen levels. Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in all
participants, while gamma-glutamyl transferase was elevated in 80%. Logistic regression
showed increased odds of HRS among patients not on medication (OR = 3.49) and those with
prior hospitalization (OR = 2.30), although these associations did not reach statistical
significance.
Conclusion: Hepatorenal syndrome is highly prevalent among liver-diseased patients at Medylife
Healthcare Hospital, indicating a substantial burden of renal dysfunction. Early renal monitoring,
medication adherence, and integrated multidisciplinary care are essential to reduce morbidity
and improve outcomes in this population.
Keywords:
Hepatorenal syndrome ,Liver cirrhosis ,Acute kidney injury ,Renal dysfunction , Chronic liver disease; Ghana.