Renal dysfunction in patients who also suffer from end stage liver disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality comparted to patients suffering from liver disease alone. If frank renal failure develops in a patient with cirrhosis and ascites, the median survival time from onset of renal failure is approximately 2 weeks. Kidney dysfunction may be transient, secondary to pooling of blood in the splanchnic bed and consequent reduction in renal blood flow. In this instance, liver transplantation and restoration of normal circulatory patterns will result in return of normal renal function.