Renal changes in cirrhosis.

Renal failure is a frequent complication of advanced cirrhosis of the liver '-4. While in some cases azotaemia and oliguria may be due to coexisting primary renal disease or to known causes of acute tubular necrosis, in many others renal failure appears to develop either spontaneously or in response to minor changes in circulating blood volume. The latter variety has become increas- ingly important as a factor contributing to death in patients with hepatic failure but, despite considerable clinical observation and investigative effort, its cause and nature remain uncertain and its treatment unsatisfactory.