Comparison of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Ascites Albumin Gradients (SAAG) With the Traditional Marker-Ascitic Fluid Total Protein
Author(s): Aravindan R and KH Noorul Ameen*
Abstract
To determine the sensitivity and specificity of serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) and that of ascitic fluid total protein, in identifying the etiology of ascites. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of serum ascites albumin. A total of 100 adult patients with ascites, admitted to the Department of General Medicine, Sree Balaji medical college & hospital, Chennai within approved period, whose etiological diagnosis had not been known previously were studied prospectively. The protocol was approved by the hospital's ethical committee and an informed consent was obtained from all patients. On entry, a detailed history and clinical examination were conducted. The 100 patients who satisfied the set criteria were included in the study. The sensitivity and specificity of SAAG in the differentiation of different types of ascites are 94% and 91% respectively. The accuracy of SAAG in the etiological diagnosis 1s 94%. The serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) 1s superior to ascitic fluid total protein (AFTP) in the differential diagnosis of ascites and it 1s statistically significant.