Clinical Value of the Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient in Ascites Classification

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of serum-ascites albumin gradient(SAAG) in ascites classification. Methods 66 patients with the ascites fluid were divided into two groups: portal hypertension group(group A) and non-portal hypertension group(group B). SAAG, AFTP, A/S and LDH were measured and analyzed. Results There is an obvious difference of SAAG between group A and group B (P 0.01). SAAG of group A was 19.17±5.36, and group B was 8.24±2.76. The sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction, negative prediction, and accuracy of the SAAG were 94.59%, 86.21%, 89.74%, 92.59% and 90.91%, respectively, while the accuracy of the AFTP, LDH and A/S were 77.27%, 65.15% and 65.15%, respectively. Conclusion The level of SAAG is correlated with portal hypertension. SAAG is superior to the exudate-transudate concept in the diagnosis of ascites of portal hypertension, and is useful to identify ascites fluid of portal hypertension and non-portal hypertension.