The value of serum-ascites albumin gradient for the determination of portal hypertension in the diagnosis of ascites

Abstract

Background/aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between serum-ascites albumin gradient and portal pressure gradient in a population with ascites related to multiple conditions.

Methodology: Thirty-seven patients were divided into two groups: group 1: 30 patients with cirrhosis as the cause of ascites, and group 2: 7 patients with ascites due to other causes. All patients were submitted to paracentesis and blood examination to determine the serum-ascites albumin gradient and the hepatic venous pressure gradient was measured.

Results: Mean serum-ascites albumin gradient was 2.0 g/dL in group 1 and 0.6 g/dL in group 2. Mean hepatic venous pressure gradient was 14.7 mm Hg in group 1 and 1.3 mm Hg in group 2.

Conclusions: There was a significant correlation between the serum-ascites albumin gradient and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (r = 0.502), indicating the reliability of the serum-ascites albumin gradient in demonstrating the presence of portal hypertension and its relationship with the origin of ascites.