ascites (serum - ascites albumin gradient < 1.1 g/Dl)

Last edited 06/2020

Serum-ascites albumin gradient is calculated via substracting the concentration of the ascites fluid albumin from serum albumin
  • a serum-ascites albumin gradient of more than or equal to 1.1 g/dL predicts portal hypertension with greater accuracy than the transudate/exudate classification
    • causes of a low serum-ascites albumin gradient (of less than 1.1 g/dL) include:
      • Peritoneal carcinomatosis
      • Pancreatitis
      • Biliary pancreatitis
      • Peritoneal tuberculosis
      • Chlamydia/gonococcal infection
      • Nephrotic syndrome
      • Connective tissue diseases

Reference:

  1. Baccaro ME et al. Ascites. Medicine 2007; 35 ( 2): 104-107
  2. Runyon BA et al. The serum-ascites albumin gradient is superior to the exudate-transudate concept in the differential diagnosis of ascites. Ann Intern Med 1992; 117: 215?220.