Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient

Serum Albumin

g/dL

Ascitic Albumin

g/dL

Gradient:

g/dL

Calculation Formula

Gradient SAAG = Alb_Serum - Alb_Ascitic

Clinical Significance

The calculation of the Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) helps to clarify the source of ascites.

An elevated gradient (> 1.1 g/dL) suggests that ascites is caused by portal hypertension, commonly associated with cirrhosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and heart failure.

A decreased gradient (< 1.1 g/dL) indicates that ascites is not related to increased portal pressure, possibly due to nephrotic syndrome, tuberculosis, and various types of tumors.

References

Runyon BA. Ann Intern Med. 1992 Aug 1;117(3):215-20.