Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) Calculator

Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) Calculator

• The SAAG calculator helps you estimate medical value representing the albumin concentration difference between blood serum and the ascitic fluid.
• The Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) can be used to help determine the etiology of ascites by identifying the presence of portal hypertension.
• Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) = Albserum - Albascites

 

Steps To Calculate SAAG Calculator

1. Enter Serum Albumin ( g/dL)
2. Enter Ascitic Fluid Albumin
3. Check Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG)
   
   

SAAG Calculator Formula

SAAG calculator uses the following formula:

SAAG = Serum Albumin - Ascitic Fluid Albumin

 

Range of SAAG

 

• Importantly, varying albumin levels during ascites affect the calculation of calcium levels. We can correct this inaccuracy..
• SAAG > 1.1 g/dL (>11 g/L) is a reliable (97% accuracy) diagnostic of portal hypertension (or a non-peritoneal condition) as the cause of ascites. 
• However, the value of ascites albumin gradient alone does not provide any clues to the cause of this hypertension (e.g., liver cirrhosis). 
• This range corresponds to the ascitic fluid being a transudate.
• SAAG < 1.1 g/dL (<11 g/L) indicates ascites of non-portal nature or a peritoneal origin (for example, peritonitis). 
• This range corresponds to the exudate nature of the ascitic fluid.

 

 

What is Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient

 

• The serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is a medical value representing the albumin concentration difference between blood serum and the ascitic fluid. 
• This discrepancy is used by physicians to differentiate the various mechanisms of abnormal fluid accumulation, especially portal hypertension.

 

Ascites

 

• Ascites is defined as a buildup of more than 25 mL of fluid located in the peritoneal cavity. 
• It can arise in various mechanisms with different underlying causes. 
• Characteristics of the ascitic fluid can be used to link the diagnosis of ascites with its true etiology.
• Two main parameters are key in the assessment of the peritoneal fluid: serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) and ascitic fluid total protein (AFTP). 
• The former – the main focus of this article – is considered more useful in the identification of portal hypertension; whereas the latter remain

 

Ascitic fluid

 

• The AFTP measurement is used to classify the ascitic fluid as transudate (arises as serum filtrate due to elevated hydrostatic pressure or lowered oncotic pressure of the blood) or exudate (leaks from the serum through the inflamed blood vessel walls). 
• However, this distinction is less conclusive in the diagnosis of portal hypertension.

 

SAAG vs Total Ascites Protein

		SAAG
		<1.1 g/dL	>1.1 g/dL
Total Protein	<2.5 g/dL	Tuberculous Peritonitis, Nephrotic syndrome	Cirrhosis, Budd-Chiari (late)
	>2.5 g/dL	Cancer, Tuberculosis, Chylous ascites, Pancreatitis	Right HF, Budd-Chiari (early), veno-occlusive disease

 

Summary

Overall SAAG Calculator determine the etiology of ascites by identifying the presence of portal hypertension. Check More Medical Health Related Calculator on Drlogy Calculator to get exact health solutions.

 

Reference

• Serum-ascites albumin gradient - Wikipedia [1].
• Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient - an overview [2].