SAAG (Serum/Ascites Albumin Gradient)

SAAG (serum–ascites albumin gradient) is calculated by subtracting ascitic fluid albumin from serum albumin. A SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL indicates portal hypertension as the cause of ascites, reflecting increased hydrostatic pressure and transudation. Common causes include cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, and Budd–Chiari syndrome. It helps distinguish portal-hypertensive from non‑portal causes and guides further evaluation and management.

The serum–effusion albumin gradient (SEAG) is the difference between blood (serum) albumin and effusion albumin, measured in g/dL. Calculate: serum albumin − effusion albumin. A gradient ≥1.1 g/dL suggests a transudative process (commonly portal hypertension in ascites); <1.1 g/dL indicates exudative causes such as inflammation, infection, or malignancy.

SAAG = serum albumin minus ascitic fluid albumin. A SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL indicates portal hypertension–related (transudative) ascites, commonly from cirrhosis, heart failure, or Budd–Chiari. A SAAG <1.1 g/dL suggests non–portal hypertensive (exudative) causes such as malignancy, infection (e.g., tuberculosis), pancreatitis, or nephrotic syndrome. Use with clinical context.

SAAG (serum–ascites albumin gradient) is the difference between blood serum albumin and ascitic fluid albumin. It helps classify ascites: a SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL indicates portal hypertension (e.g., cirrhosis, heart failure); <1.1 g/dL suggests non‑portal hypertensive causes (e.g., infection, malignancy). Albumin is a liver‑made blood protein that maintains oncotic pressure and transports hormones, drugs and bilirubin.

A high SAAG (≥1.1 g/dL) indicates portal hypertension; a common etiology is cirrhosis (for example, alcoholic or viral). Increased hepatic sinusoidal pressure forces protein-poor fluid into the peritoneal cavity. Other causes include congestive heart failure, Budd–Chiari syndrome, and portal vein thrombosis. High SAAG helps distinguish these from exudative causes like malignancy or infection.

The serum–ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is serum albumin minus ascitic fluid albumin. A SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL (≥11 g/L) indicates portal hypertension (eg, cirrhosis, heart failure, Budd–Chiari). A SAAG <1.1 g/dL suggests non‑portal hypertensive causes such as peritoneal carcinomatosis, tuberculosis, pancreatitis, or nephrotic syndrome; it classifies ascites etiology.