COMPARISON OF ROLE OF SERUM- ASCITES ALBUMIN GRADIENT AND ASCITIC FLUID TOTAL PROTEIN IN LIVER CIRRHOSIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of serum/ ascites albumin gradient and ascitic fluid total protein in liver cirrhosis patients, using ultrasosnography as gold standard.

Study Design: Validation Study.

Place and duration of 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.

Material and Method: 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 & 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).

Results: 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.

Conclusion: Diagnostic sensitivity of SAAG in liver cirrhosis is significantly higher than AFTP in workup of ascites related to portal hypertension.