Serum_Ascites_Albumin_Gradient_SAAG_guideline v.1
Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG)
To define the presence of portal hypertension in patients with ascites.
Use in patients with known liver disease and ascites in whom portal hypertension status is unknown. SAAG Variables: Albumin concentration of serum (g/L or g/dL) Albumin concentration of ascitic fluid (g/L or g/dL) SAAG (g/dL)=(albumin concentration of serum) – (albumin concentration of ascitic fluid) Interpretation: - SAAG > 1.1 g/dL indicates portal hypertension is the cause of ascites with 97% accuracy. - SAAG scores do not indicate the cause of the portal hypertension.
1. Hoefs JC. The mechanism of ascitic fluid protein concentration increase during diuresis in patients with chronic liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 1981 Nov;76(5):423-31. PMID:7337129. 2. Paré P, Talbot J, Hoefs JC. Serum-ascites albumin concentration gradient: a physiologic approach to the differential diagnosis of ascites. Gastroenterology. 1983 Aug;85(2):240-4. PMID: 6862152.
OBSERVATION.saag.v0
