Evaluating the effect of midodrine on renal resistance index in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites

ABSTRACT

Background: Portal hypertension, which occurs as a consequence of liver cirrhosis, leads to splenic vasodilatation and alterations in the systemic circulation. Arterial vasodilatation in the splanchnic circulation appears to play a central role in hemodynamic changes and in the decline in renalfunction in cirrhosis. Peripheral vasodilatation, which occurs as a part of alterations in the systemic circulation, may decrease the renal blood flow and subsequently raise plasma renin activity. Midodrine is a agonist and acts as a peripheral vasoconstrictor; therefore, it may reduce plasma renin activity and improve renal function