European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Ascites is the accumulation of protein-containing (ascitic) fluid within the abdomen. Many disorders can cause ascites, but the most common is elevated blood pressure in the portal veins which is usually due to cirrhosis. If large amounts of fluid gets accumulated, the abdomen becomes distended, which may result in loss of appetite and shortness of breath. Analysis of the fluid can help in determining the cause.
Aim: To find the Differential diagnosis of ascites based on ascitic fluid analysis.
Material and Method: A total of 100 patients were studied, their ascitic fluid were analysed. Parameters used are Serum Ascitic Fluid Albumin Gradient (SAAG) and Ascitic Fluid Total Protein (AFTP).
Results: The most common differential diagnosis is Liver Cirrhosis in males and Congestive cardiac failure in Females.
Conclusion: SAAG has high positive predictive value while AFTP has high negative predictive value.