Clinical profile and comparison of SAAG with ascites fluid total protein (AFTP) in cases of ascites at a tertiary referral hospital in Maharashtra

Abstract

Aims: This observational prospective study was carried out with aims of 1) study various presentations and clinical features in ascites cases, 2) assess different etiological factors, 3) compare serum ascitic albumin gradient (SAAG) and ascitic fluid total protein (AFTP) in differentiating portal hypertension related causes of ascites from others, 4) study in hospital outcome in cases of ascites . Material and Methods : 100 consecutive ascites cases admitted in wards with clinical diagnosis and sonographic confirmation were recruited in the study. After history and detailed clinical examination cases were subjected to ultrasonography and portal vein Doppler to diagnose portal hypertension which was followed by paracentesis. Serum Albumin & total protein, ascitic fluid albumin and total protein, AFTP and SAAG was determined. Results : Mean age of diagnosis of ascites was 42.41 ±7.72 years and maximum cases in 30-49 years age group. 68% of cases of ascites had cirrhosis of liver, 16% peritoneal (abdominal) tuberculosis, 10% chronic heart failure (CHF), 4% nephrotic syndrome and 2% had ovarian malignancy. Mean AFTP and Mean SAAG was 1.77±0.73gm% and 2.05±0.52 gm% in 78 cases of portal hypertension related ascites respectively. In normal portal pressure cases (n=22) of ascites it was 3.01±0.37 gm% and 0.72±0.19 gm% respectively. Sensitivity of AFTP and SAAG in differentiating portal hypertension related etiology from other causes was 70.51% and 92.31% respectively .Though sensitivity was less, specificity was equal ( 95.45%). Eight cases had variceal bleeding, 9 had hepatorenal syndrome and 15 had hepatic encephalopathy. Total 16 cases of liver cirrhosis with ascites died in hospital commonest cause was hepatic encephalopathy and hepatorenal syndrome.