Key result
High SAAG is strongly linked to portal hypertension, which accounts for ~65% of adult ascites.
Why the study?
The etiological spectrum of ascites varies geographically, with tuberculosis, malignancy, and systemic disorders contributing alongside chronic liver disease in India. This study evaluated the clinical, laboratory, and etiological profile of adults with ascites at a tertiary care hospital in Western India.
Cross-Sectional (n=267)
No
This cross-sectional study confirms that chronic liver disease with portal hypertension is the predominant cause of ascites in Western India (65.2%), while congestive heart failure accounts for 6.4% of cases, and validates the diagnostic utility of SAAG in differentiating portal hypertensive from non-portal hypertensive etiologies.
Chronic liver disease predominates in adult ascites at this Indian center; confirms SAAG association but leaves open broader generalizability.
Background: Ascites is a common manifestation of several diseases and an important cause of hospitalization. Portal hypertension secondary to chronic liver disease remains the leading cause worldwide, although the etiological spectrum varies geographically. In India, tuberculosis, malignancy, and systemic disorders also contribute substantially. This study evaluated the clinical, laboratory, and etiological profile of adults presenting with ascites at a tertiary care hospital in Western India. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 267 consecutive adults with ascites admitted to the Department of Medicine at a tertiary care hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat, over one year. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, ultrasonographic findings, and ascitic fluid analysis were recorded using a structured proforma. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among 267 participants, mean age was 53.7 ± 13.2 years and 181 (67.8%) were males. Chronic liver disease with portal hypertension was the commonest etiology (174; 65.2%), followed by malignancy (31; 11.6%), tuberculous peritonitis (24; 9.0%), congestive heart failure (17; 6.4%), nephrotic syndrome (11; 4.1%), pancreatitis (6; 2.2%), and miscellaneous causes (4; 1.5%). High-SAAG ascites was present in 191 (71.5%) patients and was significantly associated with portal hypertensive causes (p<0.001). Conclusion: Chronic liver disease remains the predominant cause of ascites, while tuberculosis and malignancy remain important non-cirrhotic etiologies. Clinical evaluation combined with ascitic fluid analysis, particularly SAAG, facilitates accurate etiological diagnosis and appropriate management.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Godria et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Ascites (n=267). High serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL) vs. Low serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG <1.1 g/dL) was evaluated on Association between SAAG category and portal hypertensive etiology (chronic liver disease or congestive heart failure) (p=<0.001). Chronic liver disease with portal hypertension caused 65.2% of adult ascites cases, with high SAAG (≥1.1 g/dL) present in 71.5% and significantly associated with portal hypertension (p<0.001).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: