Differential Diagnostic Value of Serum-ascites Albumin Gradient

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum-ascites albumin gradient(SAAG).Methods 113 patients with ascites fluid were divided into two groups:portal hypertension group(Group A,72 cases).nonportal hypertension group(Group B,41cases).To test related biochemical parameters and caculate SAAG and analyze these parameters.Results The mean concentration of SAAG of group A(20 3±5 4g/L)was significantly higher than that of Group B(8 2±3 8g/L),P0.001.By contrast,the ascites fluid total protein(AFTP) was significantly lower in Group A than that of Group B(15 5±6 5g/L versus 40 2±9 7g/L,P0.001).The diagnostic accuracy of SAAG(96%) was higher than that of other parameters[ascites fluid total protein(84%),ascites fluid albumin(80%),ascites fluid to serum total protein ratio(89%),ascites fluid to serum bilirubin concentration ratio(69%)respectively,lower than that of SAAG].Conclusion There are significant clinical value for SAAG which identify ascites fluid of portal hypertension from nonportal hypertension.It is a better, vilid approach than exudates-transudate concept.