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The serum-ascites albumin gradient or gap (SAAG) is a calculation used in medicine to help determine the cause of ascites. [1] The SAAG may be a better discriminant than the older method of classifying ascites fluid as a transudate versus exudate. [2] The formula is as follows: SAAG = (serum albumin) − (albumin level of ascitic fluid).
Ascites (/ ə ˈ s aɪ t i z /; [5] Greek: ἀσκός, romanized: askos, meaning "bag" or "sac" [6]) is the abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen. [1] Technically, it is more than 25 ml of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, although volumes greater than one liter may occur. [4]
The serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is the most useful index for evaluating peritoneal fluid and can help distinguish ascites caused by portal hypertension (cirrhosis, portal vein thrombosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, etc.) from other causes of ascites. SAAG is calculated by subtracting the albumin measure of ascitic fluid from the serum value.
If the fluid causing the dullness was not free, then the air-fluid level would not move. Shifting dullness is usually present if the volume of ascitic fluid is up to 500 mL ml [ citation needed ] . If low volume ascites is suspected, then an attempt to elicit the puddle sign may be performed.
In medicine, the fluid wave test or fluid thrill test is a test for ascites (free fluid in the peritoneal cavity). It is performed by having the patient (or a colleague) push their hands down on the midline of the abdomen. The examiner then taps one flank, while feeling on the other flank for the tap.
It is specifically an infection of the ascitic fluid – an increased volume of peritoneal fluid. [2] Ascites is most commonly a complication of cirrhosis of the liver. [1] It can also occur in patients with nephrotic syndrome. [3] [4] SBP has a high mortality rate. [5] The diagnosis of SBP requires paracentesis, a sampling of the peritoneal ...
Portal hypertension is defined as increased portal venous pressure, with a hepatic venous pressure gradient greater than 5 mmHg. [3] [4] Normal portal pressure is 1–4 mmHg; clinically insignificant portal hypertension is present at portal pressures 5–9 mmHg; clinically significant portal hypertension is present at portal pressures greater than 10 mmHg. [5]
This leads to fluid-induced swelling of the extremities known as edema, build-up of fluid in the abdomen known as ascites, and fluid surrounding internal organs known as effusions. Patients also present with nonspecific findings such as fatigue and excessive weakness. Muehrcke's lines are a strong indicator of hypoalbuminemia. [2]