Studies were identified by MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science (1977-2010); search terms included renal failure, mortality, and cirrhosis. Included studies (n = 74) reported >10 patients and mortality data (8088 patients). Mortality at 1, 3, and 12 months was evaluated with respect to Child-Pugh score, serum creatinine, ascites, ICU status or sepsis, prospective study design, and publication year. Pooled odds ratio (POR) for death was compared for RF vs. non-RF (5668 patients).
Overall median mortality for RF patients was 67%: 58%at 1 month and 63%(IQR 54-79) at 12 months. POR for death RF vs. non-RF patients was 7.6 (95% CI 5.4-10.8). Overall mortality before 2005 (1264 patients) was 74%and after 2005 (2833 patients) was 63%with a marked reduction only at 30 days (71%vs. 52%).
This study provides a measure of the increased risk of death in cirrhosis with renal failure. RF increases mortality 7-fold, with 50%of patients dying within one month. Preventative strategies for RF are needed.