New Developments in the Treatment Approaches for Hepatorenal Syndrome Acute Kidney Injury (HRS AKI): Key Considerations for Pharmacists

Program Description

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of advanced chronic liver disease that is associated with high mortality rates. HRS is classified as either acute kidney injury (HRS AKI) or nonacute kidney injury (HRS NAKI). HRS AKI causes a more rapid decline in renal function and can become life-threatening within days whereas HRS NAKI progresses slowly over weeks to months. Unfortunately, the only cure for HRS is liver transplantation, but immediate treatment to maintain kidney function is imperative to increase chances of survival. Pharmacists can assist in the management and supportive care of patients with HRS AKI by identifying risk factors and causes and notifying prescribers of medications that can precipitate AKI. As medication experts, pharmacists can collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to provide recommendations on selection of appropriate agents for managing HRS AKI, necessary dose adjustments or titrations, and monitor for response to therapy as well as assess any potential safety concerns.

Target Audience: Health-system pharmacists.

Type of Activity: Application
Release date: January 20, 2022
Expiration date: September 15, 2023

Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Differentiate the pathological characteristics, prevalence, risk factors, and burden associated with hepatorenal syndrome acute kidney injury (HRS AKI) and non-acute kidney injury (HRS NAKI)
• Explain the updated diagnostic criteria for HRS and the role of current and emerging treatment options, including their efficacy and safety profiles
• Determine the role of health-system pharmacists in the management of HRS AKI, including collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to ensure effective transitions of care and recommending evidence-based treatment protocols to optimize outcomes

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-22-009-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through September 15, 2023.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, read the article in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Sean P. Kane, PharmD, BCPS

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Rose Buszka, PharmD, BCPS; Abigail Dill; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta

Pharmacy Times® Editorial Staff—Davy James

An anonymous peer reviewer was part of the content validation and conflict resolution and has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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