Novel and Emerging Biomarkers in the Diagnosis and Management of Kidney Disease in Cirrhosis

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common conditions among patients with cirrhosis whose development is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recurrent episodes of AKI within this population can ultimately lead to CKD, while patients with underlying CKD are in turn more likely to experience AKI. Determining the etiology of kidney dysfunction in the setting of cirrhosis is often challenging given the considerable limitations of currently available diagnostic tools. Ongoing research into the role of novel serum and urine biomarkers may allow for more timely diagnosis and treatment of kidney injury among patients with cirrhosis. This review provides an overview of kidney dysfunction in cirrhosis with a focus on the role of these emerging biomarkers for diagnosis of AKI and CKD.