Diagnostic Accuracy of Saag in Predicting Esophageal Varices in Cirrhosis

Dr. Kiran N.C

18 hours ago

2,950 2 minutes read

Presented in 15th World Gastroenterology, IBD & Hepatology Conference from December 17-19, 2025, in Dubai, UAE & Online.

Speaker Name: Dr. Kiran N.C
Location: India
Category: (Speaker/Oral Presentation)
Research interest: CLD, Hepatology, esophageal varices

Biography: Dr Kiran N C completed his MBBS degree from Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, correctly pursuing 3rd yr Post Graduate course at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, which is one of the busiest and biggest central government hospitals in India. Has done 3 case reporting and multiple oral paper presentation.

Global Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology Research [GJGHR]
Visit Speaker page: https://gastroenterology.utilitarianconferences.com/speaker/dr-kiran-n-c

Introduction: Chronic Liver Disease(CLD) is one of the major global health concerns. Portal hypertension, a common complication of Cirrhosis, leads to Esophageal Varices (EVs). Early diagnosis and treatment of EVs are essential for improving patient outcomes and decreasing mortality. The Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient(SAAG) has been identified as a promising non-invasive biomarker for detecting portal hypertension. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of SAAG in predicting EVs in cirrhotic patients.

Method: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. A total of 75 cirrhotic patients were enrolled. SAAG was calculated, & Upper GI Endoscopy was performed to screen for EVs. The diagnostic performance of SAAG was assessed using specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value(PPV), negative predictive value(NPV) & ROC curve analysis.

Results: The patient demographics showed a predominance of males (82.67%) with alcohol being the main cause of CLD. Mean SAAG was 1.74 ± 0.33 g/dL. 8(10.67%) had Grade F1 EVs, 33(44.00%) had Grade F2 EVs, 22(29.33%) had Grade F3 EVs & 12(16.00%) patients without varices. A significant, strong positive correlation was found between SAAG (g/dL) & EVs grade. SAAG value of >1.4g/dL predicted varices with a sensitivity of 93.65% & specificity of 100% & AUC of 0.968 (p-value <0.0001), diagnostic accuracy of 94.67%. SAAG value of >1.8g/dL predicted high-risk varices with a sensitivity of 100% & specificity of 88.68% (p-value <0.0001), AUC of 0.992, PPV of 78.6% (95%CI:59.0-91.7%) & diagnostic accuracy of 92.00%.

Conclusion: The study shows that SAAG is a reliable marker for predicting EVs in cirrhotic patients. It can be used for early identification of at-risk patients and facilitate timely & effective management to prevent serious complications.

Keywords: Esophageal varices; SAAG; Cirrhosis; CLD

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