Background and aims: Esophageal varices (EV) are a major complication of portal hypertension in decompensated chronic liver disease (DCLD), but endoscopy is invasive and resource-limited. This study assessed serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) as a noninvasive predictor of EV occurrence and severity.
Patients and methods: Prospective cross-sectional study (January 2023-May 2024) of 76 adults (≥18 years) with DCLD and ascites at RIMS, Ranchi. SAAG was calculated postparacentesis; EV graded via endoscopy (Westaby: Grade 0-3). SPSS v23 analyzed data: t-tests, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), correlations (r), logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) (P < 0.05).
Results: Mean age 43.66 ± 10.16 years; 68.4% male; 67.1% alcoholic etiology. EV present in 81.6% (n = 62). Mean SAAG higher with EV (1.93 ± 0.37 vs. 1.38 ± 0.12 g/dL; t = 9.81, P < 0.001). Point-biserial r = 0.542 (P < 0.001); SAAG rose with grade (ANOVA F = 22.32, P < 0.001). ROC: AUC = 0.951, cutoff 1.585 g/dL (sensitivity 89% and specificity 100%). Serum albumin predicted EV independently (odds ratio [OR] =6.98, P = 0.007); SAAG OR = 25,933 (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: SAAG strongly correlates with EV occurrence/severity, supporting its use for screening in the resource-poor settings. Optimal cutoff: 1.585 g/dL.
Skip to content
Every Day, 2 Medical News from the most Trusted Journals
2 Medical News 