Ascites revisited: the value of serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG)

Abstract

Ascites is derived from the Greek word “askos”, meaning bag or sack. Approximately 85% of patients (in the USA) with ascites have liver cirrhosis. Ascites may be reversible in the setting of alcoholic hepatitis if the patient ceases consumption of alcohol, as well as in non-alcoholic cirrhosis, with effective therapy.