Low gradient ascites: A seven-year course review

Table 1 Comparison of causes of low gradient ascites in age groups.

Causes Age (yr) group	TB		Malignancy		Other causes		Total
	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%
35-45	3	11.1	13	48.2	11	40.7	27	100
46-55	11	38	13	44.8	5	17.2	29	100
56-65	21	51.3	19	46.3	1	2.4	41	100
>65	33	64.7	17	33.3	1	2	51	100
Total	68	45.9	62	41.9	18	12.2	148	100

P<0.0001, χ² = 39.3.

Table 2 Comparison of causes of low gradient ascites in sex groups.

Causes Sex	TB		Malignancy		Other causes		Total
	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%	Frequency	%
Male	36	50	28	38.9	8	11.1	72	100
Female	32	42.1	34	44.7	10	13.2	76	100
Total	68	45.9	62	41.9	18	12.2	148	100

Table 3 Comparison of the concentration of serum albumin (Alb), ascites Alb, SAAG, ascites, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose in TB patients and cancer patients (mean±SD).

Disease Parameter	TB	Malignancies	Differences
Serum Alb.	4.2±0.49	3.9±0.70	P<0.005
Ascitic Alb.	3.5±0.47	3.30±0.50	P<0.006
SAAG	0.68±0.17	0.69±0.22	Not significant
Ascitic LDH	327±113	409±106	P<0.0001
Ascitic glucose	71±13.82	101.4±17.2	P<0.001