Serum-ascites albumin gradient
- Serum-ascites albumin gradient
The serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) helps determine the cause of ascites.
The SAAG is probably a better discriminant than older measures (transudate versus exudate) for the causes of ascites. [Runyon BA, Montano AA, Akriviadis EA, Antillon MR, Irving MA, McHutchison JG. The serum-ascites albumin gradient is superior to the exudate-transudate concept in the differential diagnosis of ascites. "Ann Intern Med" 1992;117:215-20. PMID 1616215.] A high gradient (> 1.1 g/dL) indicates the ascites is due to portal hypertension. A low gradient (< 1.1 g/dL) indicates ascites of non-portal hypertensive etiology.
SAAG = albumin concentration of serum - albumin concentration of ascitic fluid
Both are obtained on the same day.
Important causes of high SAAG ascites (> 1.1 g/dL) include cirrhosis of the liver, Budd Chiari syndrome and heart failure.
References
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