What does SAAG stand for in medicine?
The serum-ascites albumin gradient or gap (SAAG) is a calculation used in medicine to help determine the cause of ascites.
Why is SAAG high in portal hypertension?
The SAAG correlates with the sinusoidal pressure,6 and a SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL (high SAAG ascites) indicates a hepatic vein–portal vein pressure gradient more than 11 mm Hg (i.e., portal hypertension). High SAAG ascites is almost always caused by a sinusoidal or postsinusoidal source of the ascites.
How is SAAG calculated?
Formula : SAAG = (albumin concentration of serum) – (albumin concentration of ascitic fluid). Explanation of Result : A high gradient (> 1.1 g/dL) indicates the ascites is due to portal hypertension with 97% accuracy.
What does high SAAG mean?
SAAG = serum albumin – ascites albumin. A high gradient (SAAG >1.1 g/dL) indicates portal hypertension and suggests a nonperitoneal cause of ascites. Such conditions may include the following: Cirrhosis. Fulminant hepatic failure.
What is SAAG value?
The serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is a formula used to assist in determining the etiology of ascites. Also see Medscape’s Ascites Albumin Gradient Calculator. The formula is below. A high gradient (SAAG >1.1 g/dL) indicates portal hypertension and suggests a nonperitoneal cause of ascites.
How is Saag used to diagnose liver disease?
The serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) can determine which patients with liver disease have portal hypertension. A cutoff level of 1.1 has bene validated to determine who has portal hypertension. Obtaining ascites fluid is relatively simple and safe in experienced operators.
What does Saag stand for in medical terms?
Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) Interpretation The serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is a formula that is used to assist in determining the cause of ascites. Ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the (peritoneal) cavity.
How is serum ascites albumin gradient ( SAAG ) used in liver disease?
The serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) can determine which patients with liver disease have portal hypertension. A cutoff level of 1.1 has bene validated to determine who has portal hypertension.
What does a high SAAG mean for ascites?
SAAG Interpretation. The formula is below. A high gradient (SAAG >1.1 g/dL) indicates portal hypertension and suggests a nonperitoneal cause of ascites. A low gradient (SAAG < 1.1 g/dL) indicates nonportal hypertension and suggests a peritoneal cause of ascites. Caldwell SH, Battle EH.