Muhammad Arif Nadeem, Tariq Waseem, Waseern Ahmad, Faisal Mujib, M Abbas Raza, Abdul Hafeez Khan.
Usefullness of SAAG in Evaluation of Ascites
Pak J Gastroenterol Jan 1999;13(1-2):0-.
Department of Medicine, Mayo Hospital, Lahore

Ascites is a common problem seen in medical wards. The concept of serum ascites; albumin gradient (SAAG) differentiates the ascites into portal hypertensive and nonportal hypertensive etiology. The present study has evaluated the usefulness of different biochemical parameters for ascitic classification, and also reviewed significance and sensitivity of SAAG. We studied 30 (18 males, 12 females) patients. Twenty (66.7%) patients had transudative ascites on the basis of ascitic protein of < 2.5 g / dl. According to ascitic / serum protein ratio of < 0.5, transudative ascites was seen in 20 (66.7%) patients. Ascitic lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) of < 400 U/1 was present in 23 (77%) patients and ascitic /serum LDH ratio of < 0.6 was observed in 21 (70%) patients. Serum ascitic albumin gradient (SAAQ of ~ 1.1 Ig / dl (i.e., transudative ascites) was seen in 25 (83%) patients. Liver disease causing ascites was seen in 20 (66.71/o) patients. SAAG was helpful in classifying 100% of transudative ascites rather than 67% on the basis of ascitic fluid protein. Therefore SAAG is superior marker to differentiate ascites into more rationale terms i.e., "ascites related" or "not related to portal hypertension".

Category: Surgery
Keywords: SAAG. Ascites. Albumin. Portal Hypertension.

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