Patients with SAAG ≥ 1.1 gm/dL is considered as having high SAAG, indicating the presence of portal hypertension, while those with SAAG < 1.1 gm/dL are considered as having low SAAG, indicating the absence of portal hypertension.
In respect to this, what does a low SAAG mean?
A low gradient (SAAG < 1.1 g/dL) indicates nonportal hypertension and suggests a peritoneal cause of ascites. Such conditions may include the following: Primary peritoneal mesothelioma. Secondary peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Moreover, what is a normal SAAG?
Under normal circumstances the SAAG is < 1.1 because serum oncotic pressure (pulling fluid back into circulation) is exactly counterbalanced by the serum hydrostatic pressure (which pushes fluid out of the circulatory system).
What does SAAG less than 1.1 mean?
In patients with a low SAAG (<1.1 g/dL), the risk of hemodynamic compromise with large-volume paracentesis (>5 L) is low. Often, fluid reaccumulates rapidly, necessitating repeated large-volume paracenteses for chronic management of the ascites.
Why is SAAG high in cardiac ascites?
A SAAG level of 1.1 g/dL or greater indicates that ascites is due to portal hypertension, the pathologic increase of pressure in the portal venous system (97.0% sensitivity and 90.2% specificity). In this context, an ascites protein level of 2.5 g/dL or greater suggests accumulation is due to heart failure.
Can SAAG be negative?
Diagnostic accuracy, Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive predictive value (PPV) and Negative predictive value (NPV) of SAAG were 96%, 97%, 95%, 98.6%, and 90% respectively, whereas those of AFTP were 56%, 53%,70%, 86%, and 29% respectively.
What is the SAAG in SBP?
The serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) helps determine whether peritoneal fluid is a transudate or exudate. Theoretically it might also be helpful in the diagnosis of SBP, as the ascitic fluid would normally be expected to have a relatively high protein level.