Table 2.
Characteristics of ascitic fluids in chylous ascites (adapted from Crdenas and Chopra) [1].
| Color | Milky and cloudy |
|---|---|
| Triglyceride level | Above 200 mg/dL |
| Cell count | Above 500 (lymphocytic predominance) |
| Total protein | Between 2.5 and 7.0 g/dL |
| SAAG | Below 1.1 g/dL∗ |
| Cholesterol | Low (ascites/serum ratio < 1) |
| Lactate dehydrogenase | Between 110 and 200 IU/L |
| Culture | Positive in selected cases of tuberculosis |
| Cytology | Positive in malignancy |
| Amylase | Elevated in cases of pancreatitis |
| Glucose | Below 100 mg/dL |
IU: international units; SAAG: serum-ascites albumin gradient.
∗Is elevated above 1.1 g/dL in CA secondary to cirrhosis.