Publication: Correlation between serum-ascites albumin concentration gradient and endoscopic parameters of portal hypertension
Date
2005
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Objective: We sought to determine the correlation between the level of serum-ascites albumin concentration
gradient (SAAG) and the complications of portal hypertension (PHTN), manifested by the presence and grade of
esophageal varices (EV).
Material and methods: Our study included 32 patients with ascites, demonstrated by ultrasonography, who had
measurement of the SAAG. All had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with assessment of the presence and size of
EV. High SAAG was considered to be present when SAAG was >= 1.1 g/dl and Low SAAG when it measured < 1.1
g/dl.
Results: We found that 25 of 32 (78.13%) patients had High SAAG and 7 of 32 (21.87%) had Low SAAG.
Esophageal varices were present in 18 of 25 (72%) patients with High SAAG and in none of 7 (0%) patients with
Low SAAG (p =< 0.001). Among patients with High SAAG, EV were present in four of 8 patients (50%) with
SAAG values of 1.10-1.49g/dl; in four of seven patients (57.1%) with SAAG values of 1.50-1.99g/dl; and in ten of
ten (100%) with SAAG values of >= 2.0g/dl (p = 0.037). The size of the esophageal varices had no association with
the level of SAAG in patients with High SAAG (p = 0.426).
Conclusions: In patients with ascites the presence of esophageal varices is associated only with patients with High
SAAG. The presence of EV in patients with ascites and High SAAG is directly related to the degree of SAAG. The
size of the EV in patients with ascites and High SAAG is not associated with the degree of SAAG.
Keywords: Ascites, Serum-ascites albumin concentration gradient (SAAG), Esophageal varices (EV), Portal
Hypertension (PHTN)