Hepatorenal syndrome: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, fainting, inability to wake, vomiting blood, black tar-like stools or severe confusion.

   These can signal bleeding, fluid in the lungs, severe encephalopathy or another emergency.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent same-day medical assessment if you have advanced liver disease and notice:

   • Much less urine than usual
   • New or worsening confusion
   • Fever, chills or new abdominal pain
   • Rapidly increasing swelling or abdominal size
   • Repeated vomiting, diarrhoea or inability to drink
   • Worsening jaundice, weakness or dizziness
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   If symptoms are stable, attend routine liver and kidney follow-up as planned.

   Contact your care team before taking a new painkiller, herbal product or supplement.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hepatorenal syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.