Study of the Comparative Utility of the Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) and the Ascitic Fluid Total Protein in the Differential Diagnosis of Ascites

Dr. Priya Verma; Dr. Bhupendra Narain

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2019

Study of the Comparative Utility of the Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) and the Ascitic Fluid Total Protein in the Differential Diagnosis of Ascites

Dr. Priya Verma, Dr. Bhupendra Narain

Abstract :

Background – The ascitic fluid total protein , cell counts , lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH ), ascites – to – serum protein and LDH ratios have traditionally been used to classify ascites . However , none of these parameters have been found to be completely discriminating . Objective – In this study we compared the utility of the serum ascitic fluid albumin gradient and ascitic fluid total protein levels in establishing the differential diagnosis of ascites . Methodology – 60 children between the ages of 1– 15 years were included in the study .Paired Serum and Ascitic fluid samples were taken simultaneously . Results – The SAAG had greater Positive and Negative Predictive values as compared to that of AFTP . The ‘p ‘ value for SAAG ( > 1.1gm % ) in detecting portal hypertension was < 0.001 which was highly significant as against that of AFTP , ‘p’ value < 0.02. Conclusion – Serum Ascitic fluid Albumin gradient (SAAG ) is a better indicator of portal hypertension than the Ascitic fluid Total Protein (AFTP).