Title: Correlation between Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient and Esophageal Varices in Patients of Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Ajeet Kumar Chaurasia, BD Mangal
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i2.48
Abstract
Introduction:Clinically significant portal hypertension is present in >60% of patient with liver cirrhosis. Ideally portal hypertension should be evaluated by actually measuring portal pressure, but it is invasive procedure and involves catheterization of hepatic vein not applicable on a routine basis. Ascites and esophageal varices both are the complication of portal hypertension. Therefore predicting the presence of varices by ascitic fluid examination may be helpful.
Aim of Study:To study the correlation between SAAG and presence and grades of esophageal varices in CLD.
Result:A total of 51 patients were studied which included 29 Alcoholic and 22 non Alcoholic CLD. These patients were devided into 3 groups - Group A with SAAG = 1.1-1.49 (6 patients), Group B with SAAG = 1.5-1.99 (21 patients) and Group C with SAAG > 2.0 (24 patients). In group A, 33% patient had varices, In group B, 76.1% had varices while in group C all the 24 patients (100%) had varices (p<0.05). Among alcoholic 26 out of 29 patients had varices while among non- alcoholic 16 out of 22 patients had varices (Z=1.70).
Conclusion:We concluded in our study that there was significant correlation between SAAG value and endoscopic parameter of portal hypertension manifested by presence of varices. But the SAAG value has no significant correlation with severity of varices. This correlation exist in both alcoholic as well non- alcoholic liver disease, though there is proportionate difference among both these group and correlation is weaker in non-alcoholic liver disease.
Keywords: SAAG, Portal Hypertension, Esophageal Varices, CLD, Liver cirrhosis.
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