Hepatorenal syndrome

This code identifies hepatorenal syndrome, a severe and potentially fatal complication of advanced liver disease characterized by progressive renal failure in the absence of primary kidney pathology. It represents a functional renal impairment secondary to circulatory changes induced by hepatic dysfunction.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome, typically in patients with cirrhosis or acute liver failure. Supporting documentation should describe acute kidney injury in the context of severe liver disease, often with exclusion of other causes of renal failure.

• Always sequence the underlying liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis) as the primary diagnosis when applicable.
• Distinguish from acute kidney injury due to other causes, such as acute tubular necrosis, which would require different coding.
• Ensure documentation specifies "hepatorenal syndrome" rather than just general renal failure in a patient with liver disease.