Determine the causes of ascites by serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG):
Normal SAAG is <1.1g/dL
Causes of ascites if high SAAG (>1.1g/dL). Water is forced out due to high hydrostatic pressure, but proteins such as albumin is retained in vasculature.
97% due to portal hypertension due to
[Relatively more protein in ascitic fluid (>2.5g/dL)]
1. Budd-Chiari Syndrome
2. CCF
[Relatively less protein in ascitic fluid (<2.5g/dL)]
3. Liver cirrhosis
Causes of ascites if normal (low) SAAG
1. Nephrotic syndrome
2. TB
3. Malinancy
Normal SAAG is <1.1g/dL
Causes of ascites if high SAAG (>1.1g/dL). Water is forced out due to high hydrostatic pressure, but proteins such as albumin is retained in vasculature.
97% due to portal hypertension due to
[Relatively more protein in ascitic fluid (>2.5g/dL)]
1. Budd-Chiari Syndrome
2. CCF
[Relatively less protein in ascitic fluid (<2.5g/dL)]
3. Liver cirrhosis
Causes of ascites if normal (low) SAAG
1. Nephrotic syndrome
2. TB
3. Malinancy