Abstract
Introduction: Ascites is the accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity. Normally, 5-20ml of peritoneal fluid is found between the layers of peritoneum, acting as a lubricant and reducing the friction of organ movement during digestion and bodily movements. The use of serum ascites albumin gradient has out dated the total protein measurement in differentiating transudate from exudate fluid. Analysis is done in two broad spectrums: (1) Biochemical analysis (2) Clinical pathology and Cytological analysis Aim & Objectives: This study was done with the objective to evaluate the ascitic fluid analysis for differentiating transudate versus exudate and also the characteristics of the peritoneal fluid in various causes of ascites. Materials and Methods: In this study, 100 patients of ascites were evaluated for ascitic fluid total protein (AFTP) and Serum Albumin Ascitic Gradient (SAAG) along with ultrasound and other required investigations. Ascitic fluid was obtained by Paracentesis, an invasive sampling procedure to remove fluid or air from the peritoneal cavity for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The fluid obtained is sent for analysis. Ascitic fluid analysis is a group of tests used to diagnose the etiology of fluid accumulation. Result: Study shows that ascites due to various aetiology is common among 31-50 years of age group with a slight male predominance. The present study suggests that transudative ascites are more common than exudative ascites with a percentage of 52%. Conclusion: Serum Albumin Ascitic Gradient (SAAG) is much more superior to ascitic fluid total protein (AFTP) in the differential diagnosis of Ascites. Ascitic fluid analysis helps in diagnosing the aetiology of ascites based on the cytological and biochemical parameters. The common aetiology for ascites reported in India is liver cirrhosis. The development of ascites in cirrhotic patients is associated with a mortality of 15% and 44% at one-year and five-year follow-up periods, respecti
Highlights
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity
Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity resulting in ascites has many different mechanisms. 1,2 The most frequent cause of ascites is cirrhosis-related portal hypertension in 85% of cases; 15% of cases are
Another prospective study done by M Beg, S Husain et al 11 and they were observed that the serum albumin ascitic gradient had a diagnostic sensitivity of 94.73% and 94% accuracy compared to ascitic fluid total protein (AFTP), which is 65.62% and 68% respectively
Summary
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity. The use of serum ascites albumin gradient has out dated the total protein measurement in differentiating transudate from exudate fluid. Materials and Methods: In this study, 100 patients of ascites were evaluated for ascitic fluid total protein (AFTP) and Serum Albumin Ascitic Gradient (SAAG) along with ultrasound and other required investigations. The amount of peritoneal fluid depends on a balance between plasma flowing into and out of the blood and lymphatic vessels. It is only when this balance has been disrupted or in cases of inflammation or injury, ascites develops. The imbalance in the level of plasma may be due to increased capillary permeability, increased venous pressure, decreased protein (oncotic pressure), or increased lymphatic obstruction
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