Serum-ascites albumin gradient
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Overview
The serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) helps determine the cause of ascites. SAAG = albumin concentration of serum – albumin concentration of ascitic fluid
The SAAG is probably a better discriminant than older measures (transudate versus exudate) for the causes of ascites.[1] 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.
Important causes of high SAAG ascites (> 11 gm/L) include cirrhosis of the liver, Budd Chiari syndrome and heart failure. [2]
References
References
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
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