Cirrhosis of increasing severity—no ascites, ascites, and ascites plus RF due to hepatorenal syndrome—is associated with a progressive increase in plasma renin activity (ng/mL per hour) and in the plasma levels of norepinephrine (pg/mL), and antidiuretic hormone (pg/mL). This progressive rise in the secretion of hypovolemic hormones is associated with a vasodilatation-induced fall in mean arterial pressure (from 89 to 75 mmHg) and a reduction in the plasma sodium concentration (from 138 to 128 mEq/L).
RF: renal failure; ADH: antidiuretic hormone.
Data from: Asbert M, Gines A, Gines P, et al. Gastroenterology 1993; 104:1485.
