Globulin correction of the albumin gradient: Correlation with measured serum to ascites colloid osmotic pressure gradients
John C. Hoefs – 1 August 1992 – The albumin difference or gradient between serum ascites is presumed to be an effective estimate of the colloid osmotic pressure gradient, although this has never been directly demonstrated. The colloid osmotic pressure gradient is controlled by the degree of portal hypertension. Thus the albumin gradient is clinically useful in detecting patients with ascites caused by portal hypertension, although some overlap in such patients' albumin gradients exists compared with those of patients without portal hypertension.