Serum-ascites albumin gradient: A predictor of esophageal varices with ascites

Bibhuti B. Das, Alok Purohit, Usha Acharya, Erena Treskova

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Other investigators have found that in adults the Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) to be 1.1 g/ dl or greater in the presence of portal hypertension (PTHN) and less than that in its absence. We sought to determine the correlation between the level of SAAG and the complications of PTHN, manifested by the presence of esophageal varices in children with ascites. Our study included 26 patients with cirrhosis, diagnosed by liver biopsy and 14 patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) diagnosed by established criteria. The SAAG was measured in all patients. The patients with cirrhosis had upper gastrointestinal (Gl) endoscopy for assessment of esophageal varices (EV). We found that 84.6% (22 of 26) patients with cirrhosis had High SAAG (≥1.1 g/dl) and 15.4% (4 of 26) had low SAAG (<1.1 g/dl) (p < 0.001). EV was found in 91% (20 of 22) patients with high SAAG and in 50% (2 of 4) patients with low SAAG (p = 0.013). The SAAG differentiated cirrhosis with EV from those without EV (sensitivity = 91%, specificity = 50%, positive predictive value = 91%, negative predictive value = 50% and efficacy = 85%).The high SAAG is a useful means to predict the presence of EV in children with ascites.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)511-514
Number of pages4
JournalIndian journal of pediatrics
Volume68
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2001

Keywords

  • Ascites
  • Esophageal varices
  • Portal hypertension
  • SAAG-serum-ascites albumin gradient

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Serum-ascites albumin gradient: A predictor of esophageal varices with ascites'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this