Ascites Flashcards
1
Q
What is SAAG and the two categories?
A
Serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) <11g/L - EXUDATE
>11g/L - TRANSUDATE
2
Q
SAAG greater than 11g/L indicates which diseases?
A
Indicates portal hypertension
Cirrhosis Alcoholic hepatitis Cardiac ascites Mixed ascites Massive liver metastases Fulminant hepatic failure Budd-Chiari syndrome Portal vein thrombosis Veno-occlusive disease Myxoedema Fatty liver of pregnancy
3
Q
SAAG less than 11g/L indicates which diseases?
A
Peritoneal carcinomatosis Tuberculous peritonitis Pancreatic ascites Bowel obstruction Biliary ascites Postoperative lymphatic leak Serositis in connective tissue diseases
4
Q
Management of ascites steps
A
-Reducing dietary sodium
-Fluid restriction is sometimes recommended if the sodium is < 125 mmol/L
aldosterone antagonists: e.g. spironolactone
- Large volume drainage requires albumin cover
- Prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- A TIPS- a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
