Comparison of role of serum- ascites albumin gradient and ascitic fluid total protein in liver cirrhosis patients

ABSTRACT

To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of serum/ ascites albumin gradient and ascitic fluid total protein in liver cirrhosis patients, using ultrasonography as gold standard. Validation Study. Department of Chemical Pathology and Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi and Department of Radiology CMH/ MH Rawalpindi from 15 Jul 2007 to 15 May 2008. Seventy three patients of liver cirrhosis were enrolled in the study by non-probability convenience sampling. Liver cirrhosis was confirmed on ultrasound abdomen. Ascitic fluid and 3 ml of blood were obtained simultaneously for analysis of serum albumin, ascitic fluid albumin and total proteins. Sensitivity of serum ascitic albumen gradient [SAAG] and serum ascitic fluid total protein [AFTP] was calculated by comparing with liver ultrasonographic findings [gold standard]. Among 73 patients, 52 [71%] were males and 21 [29%] females. Mean ages was 57 years. Age range was 30-80 years. It was observed that sensitivity of SAAG in liver cirrhosis was 97% and that of AFTP was 53% only. Diagnostic sensitivity of SAAG in liver cirrhosis is significantly higher than AFTP in workup of ascites related to portal hypertension