Early Escharotomy as a Measure to Reduce Intraabdominal Hypertension in Full-Thickness Burns of the Thoracic and Abdominal Area

Intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) can occur in critically ill patients who have undergone surgery, who have required fluid resuscitation after intraabdominal operations, or whose abdominal surgical wound closure was under tension. If IAH remains unrelieved, it can lead to development of the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The latter presents with severe cardiorespiratory and urinary symptoms such as hypotension, hypoventilation, and oliguria, and it can become fatal if it is not diagnosed early and treated properly. Moreover, IAH has been documented in the context of major burns, complicating the initial resuscitation of these patients. This study was set up to investigate the role of full-thickness burns of the thoracic and abdominal areas in IAH during the early resuscitation period, to determine whether escharotomy could influence its levels. During the past 2 years 10 burn patients were enrolled in this study, as they fulfilled the necessary criteria: >35% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness burn affecting the anterior, lateral, and most of the posterior surface of the thorax and abdomen (torso), no respiratory mechanical support at admission, and initial evaluation at another facility and transfer to our burn center 2–6 h postburn. Upon admission, the following parameters (indicative of intraabdominal hypertension, IAH) were measured: bladder pressure and gastric pressure. Also, we monitored inferior vena cava pressure, and as a routine, central venous pressure, systolic blood pressure, and arterial blood gases. Elevated intraabdominal pressure to hazardous levels was documented in all patients included in our study. The same escharotomy pattern was performed in every case, and 5–10 min after the procedure all measurements were repeated. Immediate improvement of all the parameters measured was recorded, and the alterations were found statistically significant. These results were indicative of significant relief of the elevated intraabdominal pressure in all patients after escharotomy, as well as the efficacy of the procedure. It is thus demonstrated that full-thickness burns of the thoracic and abdominal areas can cause a significant early increase in intraabdominal pressure that, if left untreated, can lead to the development of ACS. However, the application of simple decompression techniques can offer remarkable, immediate, and often lifesaving results and is absolutely indicated for this reason, as well as for its well-known beneficial effects on respiratory function. This study received The 2000 Jaime Lanhoso Award for the best presentation at the 5th International Conference on Burns and Fire Disasters, Estoril, Portugal.     

Release of abdominal compartment syndrome improves survival in patients with burn injury

BACKGROUND: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has rarely been described as a complication of burn injury. This study describes cases of ACS in patients with burn injury and the physiologic results of abdominal release. METHODS: Charts for all patients admitted to two major burn center intensive care units from January 1998 through August 2000 were reviewed for ACS. Physiologic parameters were compared before and after abdominal release. RESULTS: Ten of 1,014 patients developed ACS. Abdominal release improved peak inspiratory pressures and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (p < 0.03). The amount of fluid required to maintain adequate urine output also decreased substantially. Forty percent of patients with ACS survived to discharge. CONCLUSION: Abdominal release for patients with ACS and severe burn injury results in physiologic improvement and a 40% survival rate. We recommend bladder pressure monitoring for all patients with severe burn injuries and abdominal decompression in any patient who develops pressures greater than 30 mm Hg if they have signs of physiologic compromise. Aggressive expectant management can effect a 40% survival rate in this group of severely injured patients.     

A systematic review on intra-abdominal pressure in severely burned patients

Objective

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are complications that may occur in severely burned patients. Evidenced based medicine for these patients is in its early development. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of literature regarding IAH and ACS in severely burned patients.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL on October 1, 2012. These databases were searched on ‘burn’, ‘intra-abdominal hypertension’, ‘abdominal compartment syndrome’, synonyms and abbreviations. Studies reporting original data on mortality, abdominal decompression or abdominal pressure related complications were included.

Results

Fifty publications met the criteria, reporting 1616 patients. The prevalence of ACS and IAH in severely burned patients is 4.1–16.6% and 64.7–74.5%, respectively. The mean mortality rate for ACS in burn patients is 74.8%. The use of plasma and hypertonic lactated resuscitation may prevent IAH or ACS. Despite colloids decrease resuscitation volume needs, no benefit in preventing IAH was proven. Escharotomy, peritoneal catheter drainage, and decompression laparotomy are effective intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) diminishing treatments in burn patients. Markers for IAP-related organ damage might be superior to IAP measurement itself.

Conclusion

ACS and IAH are frequently seen devastating complications in already severely injured burn patients. Prevention is challenging but can be achieved by improving fluid resuscitation strategies. Surgical decompression measures are effective and often unavoidable. Timing is essential since decompression should prevent progression to ACS rather than limit its effects. Prognosis of ACS remains poor, but options for care improvement are available in literature.     

Abdominal compartment syndrome

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined by the deleterious effects of intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) on the pulmonary, cardiovascular, splanchnic, urinary and central nervous system. Abnormal and sudden increase in the volume of any component of the intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal space (occurRing postoperatively or subsequent to hemorrhagic trauma, referfusion edema, penumoperitoneum, intestinal distention, acute pancreatitis...) causes IAH. Sustained IAH leads to ACS which if left unrecognized or untreated is always fatal. Measurement of urinary bladder pressure is the best validated technique for diagnosis of IAH. It should be used routinely for minimally invasive surveillance of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in patients with severe thoraco-abdominal trauma or after major abdominal operations. Medical management of IAH is of limited efficacy making expedient surgical decompression the treatment of choice for ACS. Surgical decompression of the abdomen and temporary closure is generally recognized as effective in clinically patent ACS but the pressure threshold indicating the need for decompression remains controversial. No data are available from controlled randomized trials and current guidelines are based on the experience of large trauma centers. The few available prospective clinical series report survival rates in the 38 to 71% range after surgical decompression for ACS. These studies are difficult to compare due to methodological features but it would appear that centers using the lowest pressure threshold for decompensation (< 20 mmHg) have the highest survival rates. Despite the available physiological arguments, indications for prophylactic temporary abdominal coverage (TAC), e.g. in trauma patients or for early decompression in IAH patients without clinical ACS, have not been validated in clinical practice. The potential morbidity of decompression procedures, TAC, and subsequent abdominal wall reconstructions require comparative studies of these treatment options with available pharmacological and non-surgical means to lower IAP.     

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in the medical patient

Critically ill medical patients are at significant risk for developing intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Although surgical IAH/ACS is commonly acute and dramatic in onset, medical IAH/ACS is more slow and insidious in its development but no less deadly. The presence of pre-existing comorbid illnesses among medical patients imparts morbidity and mortality rates that are significantly greater than those of their surgical counterparts. A variety of effective medical management strategies for reducing elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), coupled with early abdominal decompression when necessary, has been demonstrated to significantly improve patient survival from IAH/ACS. Serial IAP measurements, increased collaboration between surgeon and nonsurgeon, institution of medical management strategies, and early abdominal decompression for refractory IAH/ACS will lead to decreased rates of organ failure and improved survival for medical patients who develop IAH/ACS.     

危重烧伤合并腹腔间隙综合征的临床诊治特点分析

目的总结危重烧伤合并腹腔间隙综合征(ACS)的临床诊治特点。方法2001年1月—2005年4月笔者单位收治12例特重度烧伤合并ACS的患者,其中3例予以非手术治疗(胃肠减压、肛管排气),4例行腹壁减张,5例开腹减压。统计、分析本组患者的治疗结果。予以腹壁减张或开腹减压术者,监测其术后24 h尿量、膀胱内压、中心静脉压、动脉收缩压、动脉血氧分压(PaO2),并与术前比较。结果本组患者病死率为41．7％,9例手术患者死亡3例。多数患者术前24 h尿量偏少,膀胱内压、中心静脉压、动脉收缩压和PaO2表现异常,手术患者术后各项指标较术前明显好转(P<0．01)。结论危重烧伤合并ACS的患者及时给予腹壁减张和开腹减压是治疗的关键。     

Intraabdominal Hypertension and the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Burn Patients

Severe burns represent a devastating injury that induces profound systemic inflammation requiring large volumes of resuscitative fluids. The consequent massive swelling and peritoneal ascites raises intraabdominal pressures (IAP) to supraphysiologic levels commensurate with intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) and with the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) if consistently associated with IAP >20 mmHg and associated with new organ failure. Severe burn injuries are an example of the secondary ACS (2° ACS), wherein there has been no primary inciting intraperitoneal injury, yet severe IAH/ACS develops, setting the stage for progressive multiorgan dysfunction. These definitions along with practice management guidelines have recently been promulgated by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) in an effort to standardize terminology and communication regarding IAH/ACS in critical care. It is currently unknown whether these syndromes are iatrogenic consequences of excessive or poorly managed fluid resuscitation or unavoidable sequelae of the primary injury. It occurs frequently with burns of >60% body surface area, especially with associated inhalational injury, delayed resuscitation, and abdominal wall injuries. IAH/ACS is often a hyperacute phenomenon that occurs within the first hours of admission and thereafter with any complication requiring aggressive fluid resuscitation. Despite a number of noninvasive management strategies, interventions such as percutaneous peritoneal drainage and, ultimately, decompressive laparotomy are often required once the ACS is established. Whether novel resuscitation strategies can avoid or minimize IAH/ACS is unproven at present and requires further study. Truly understanding postburn ACS may require further insights into the basic mechanisms of injury and resuscitation.     

Acute kidney dysfunction secondary to the abdominal compartment syndrome

The abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) occurs most commonly in the setting of major trauma and complex abdominal surgical procedures. The syndrome reflects the adverse physiological consequences of an acute increase in intra-abdominal pressure (generally >18 mm Hg). The effects of increased abdominal pressures on the kidney were initially described in 1876 and include impairment of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration resulting in oliguria or anuria and acute kidney dysfunction. These effects are magnified by the concomitant effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure to impair venous return and cardiac output. Patients with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) can be easily detected using simple methodology. If employed early, abdominal decompression to lower IAH is associated with restoration of organ function and avoidance of the ACS. However, the overall mortality associated with this syndrome remains high. In postsurgical, trauma patients, or those at risk, ACS should be considered as a potential etiology for acute kidney dysfunction and intra-abdominal pressures should be measured, monitored and when necessary intervened upon in order to attempt to improve organ dysfunction.     

The clinical importance of monitoring intra-abdominal pressure after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to review the literature on the clinical importance of monitoring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair. METHOD: The literature was searched for abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) or intra-abdominal pressure and aortic aneurysm. Original articles were studied. Personal experiences were reported. RESULTS: The Consensus Documents of the World Society on the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (wsacs.org), with their definitions and guidelines, constitute an important step forward for the possibilities to study this clinical entity. Few papers were published describing the problem specifically in the patient population operated on for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). The incidence was approximately 5% when the patients were not monitored with IAP, and above 10% when IAP was monitored. The incidence seems to be similar irrespective if open or endovascular repair is performed, though comparative prospective studies were not published. Patients with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) or ACS have higher mortality and more complications. If IAH is recognized early conservative treatment may be effective to prevent development of ACS. After ACS has developed, surgical decompression is usually required. A proposed algorithm on how to act on different levels of IAH is presented. CONCLUSIONS: IAH/ACS is an important complication after operation on patients with rAAA. Monitoring IAP may be associated with improved outcomes.     

Alternatives to formal abdominal decompression

Open abdominal decompression (OAD) is a potentially life-saving but arguably invasive treatment for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and/or abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Although OAD has previously been considered the only therapeutic option for IAH/ACS, the application of comprehensive nonoperative medical management strategies to reduce elevated intra-abdominal pressure and restore organ perfusion has recently been shown to decrease progression to ACS and the need for OAD. Furthermore, a variety of minimally invasive therapies have been developed for the treatment of patients who would traditionally have required OAD. In general, these therapies are most applicable for patients with secondary rather than primary IAH leading to ACS.     

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. What should surgeons know and how should they manage these entities?

Correct monitoring of medicosurgical critically-ill patients aids the early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The abdominal cavity and the retroperitoneum act sealed compartments and any change in the volume of their contents can increase intraabdominal pressure (IAP). IAH is only one measure of elevated IAP, and ACS represents the end result of sustained IAH with the appearance of organ dysfunction. To diagnose IAH and ACS, measurement of IAP, abdominal perfusion pressure and intramucous gastric pH must be performed and the results correlated with signs of clinical deterioration in the patient. Medical therapeutic measures in ACS are limited and abdominal decompression is the established symptomatic treatment of this entity.     

A new model for the study of the abdominal compartment syndrome in rats

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to develop of a rodent model of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), which allows detailed analysis of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH)- and decompression-associated reperfusion injury. METHODS: In 20 anesthetized and ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats an IAH of 20 mmHg was induced for 3 h by intraperitoneal infusion of gelatin polysuccinate. After decompression, an additional 3-h period of reperfusion was studied. Sham-operated animals, undergoing identical procedures without IAH induction, served as controls. Controlled hyperventilation and intravenous fluid substitution were adapted to keep PCO(2) <60 mmHg and mean arterial pressure (MAP) >100 mmHg. RESULTS: IAH of 20 mmHg could successfully be maintained for the entire 3-h period. MAP was not affected during IAH, however, decreased upon decompression despite forced fluid resuscitation. CVP was markedly elevated during IAH, but returned to baseline after decompression. Of interest, the IAH-induced reduction of PaO(2) did not recover to baseline after decompression, indicating a persistent deterioration of gas exchange. In contrast, IAH-associated elevation of PaCO(2) normalized during reperfusion. IAH was further accompanied by metabolic acidosis, which persisted after decompression, indicating reperfusion injury. IAH was further associated with a significant increase of serum potassium, lactate, AST, LDH, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine as well as creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB. Histomorphological analysis revealed parenchymal injury in liver, lung, intestine, and myocardium. CONCLUSION: We established an easily reproducible ACS model in the rat, demonstrating hemodynamic deteriorations and organ dysfunctions similar as known from patients with IAH. Decompression did not restore functional deteriorations, indicating persistent post-ACS reperfusion injury. The model may be suitable to study mechanisms and novel treatment strategies in ACS.     

Resuscitation fluid volume and abdominal compartment syndrome in patients with major burns

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is rarely reported as a complication of severe burn. This study clarified the risk of burned patients with and without ACS, especially regarding the resuscitation fluid volume. Extensively burned patients admitted to our burn unit from January 2003, through to June 2004, were examined. Vital signs, blood gas analysis, bladder pressure to estimate intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), resuscitation fluid volume, and urine output (UO) were analyzed. Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) was defined as an IAP of more than 30 cm of H2O. Eight of 48 patients suffering from a more than 30% total burn surface area developed ACS in 18.3+/-4.9 h. In these patients, IAP (49+/-12 cmH2O), PIP (50+/-16 cmH2O), heart rate (115+/-8/min), and PaCO2 (54.6+/-10.1 mmHg) were higher than normal, and their resuscitation volume was 0.40+/-0.11 L/kg. Also, a significant correlation between the IBP, PIP and resuscitation volume was observed. Most patients with severe burns required more than 300 mL/kg of resuscitation fluid for the first 24 h after injury that led to ACS and had higher HR, IBP, PIP and PaCO2 despite arterial pressure showing no significant difference.     

The secondary abdominal compartment syndrome: not just another post-traumatic complication

The secondary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as the presence of organ dysfunction with concurrent intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in a scenario lacking primary intraperitoneal injury or intervention. This state appears to be related to visceral, abdominal wall and retroperitoneal edema and ascites induced by resuscitation. Despite a diverse range of associated causes such as pancreatitis, intra-abdominal sepsis, cardiac arrest, thermal injury and extraperitoneal trauma, this class of ACS is characterized by the presence of shock requiring aggressive fluid resuscitation. Secondary ACS is an extreme condition along a continuum of raised intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) that is pathoneumonic when associated with new overt organ failure. When IAP is above normal but is not associated with organ failure, IAH is diagnosed. Because these conditions are common among critically ill patients, the measurement of IAP is crucial. It is unclear whether preventing IAH reduces progression to ACS or influences outcomes. When overt ACS is confirmed, immediate surgical decompression of the patient''s abdomen via a standard laparotomy is usually required. Because many disease processes resulting in critical illness require aggressive fluid resuscitation as a primary therapy, it is likely that secondary ACS is much more common than previously believed. Further study is needed.     

Intra-Abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Following Surgery for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the importance of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), based on the December 2004 consensus definition, on outcome after surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). METHODS: Twenty-seven patients underwent open surgery for rAAA after the introduction of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements among patients at risk of IAH. Case-records were reviewed retrospectively. Seventeen patients underwent IAP-monitoring. RESULTS: Of eight patients with IAP <21 mmHg none developed colonic ischaemia or ACS. Of four patients with IAP 21-25 mmHg (IAH grade III), two underwent colonic resection. One patient treated with open abdomen died from cardiac arrhythmia. Five patients had IAP >25 mmHg (IAH grade IV). All developed ACS. Two were not decompressed and both developed pulmonary complications, one died. Two underwent colonic resection and one was treated with open abdomen, all three survived. Of 10 patients not monitored for IAP, one died of cardiac complications, but no patient developed signs of colonic ischaemia or ACS. Mortality at 30 days and 1 year was 3/27 (11%). CONCLUSION: IAH and ACS were common among patients undergoing surgery for rAAA. The ACS consensus definition seems appropriate in this clinical context. Monitoring IAP, and timely decompression of patients with IAH might improve outcome after surgery for rAAA.     

Nonoperative Management of Intraabdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome

Intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) have detrimental effects on all organ systems and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the diagnosis and management of these syndromes has evolved tremendously, and the importance of comprehensive strategies to reduce intraabdominal pressure (IAP) has been recognized. All clinicians should be aware of the risk factors that predict the development of IAH/ACS, the appropriate measurement of IAP, and the current resuscitation options for managing these highly morbid syndromes. The nonoperative management of IAH/ACS can be summarized using five therapeutic goals: evacuate intraluminal contents, evacuate intraabdominal space-occupying lesions, improve abdominal wall compliance, optimize fluid administration, and optimize systemic and regional tissue perfusion. Surgical intervention through open abdominal decompression should immediately be pursued for patients with progressive IAH, end-organ dysfunction, and failure that is refractory to these nonoperative therapies. This comprehensive management strategy has been demonstrated to improve patient survival and long-term outcome.     

Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome is an elusive early complication of traumatic shock resuscitation

BACKGROUND: The term secondary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has been applied to describe trauma patients who develop ACS but do not have abdominal injuries. The purpose of this study was to describe major trauma victims who developed secondary ACS during standardized shock resuscitation. METHODS: Our prospective database for standardized shock resuscitation was reviewed to obtain before and after abdominal decompression shock related data for secondary ACS patients. Focused chart review was done to confirm time-related outcomes. RESULTS: Over the 30 months period ending May 2001, 11 (9%) of 128 standardized shock resuscitation patients developed secondary ACS. All presented in severe shock (systolic blood pressure 85 +/- 5 mm Hg, base deficit 8.6 +/- 1.6 mEq/L), with severe injuries (injury severity score 28 +/- 3) and required aggressive shock resuscitation (26 +/- 2 units of blood, 38 +/- 3 L crystalloid within 24 hours). All cases of secondary ACS were recognized and decompressed within 24 hours of hospital admission. After decompression, the bladder pressure and the systemic vascular resistance decreased, while the mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, and static lung compliance increased. The mortality rate was 54%. Those who died failed to respond to decompression with increased cardiac index and did not maintain decreased bladder pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary ACS is an early but, if appropriately monitored, recognizable complication in patients with major nonabdominal trauma who require aggressive resuscitation.     

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in nontrauma surgical patients

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are commonly encountered in nontrauma surgical patients. Depending on the etiology of the patient's surgical illness (ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, acute pancreatitis, burns, etc.), both the incidence and mortality of IAH/ACS may be quite high. Recent advances in both the diagnosis and resuscitation of these surgical patients have resulted in significantly improved survival over that seen in years past. Intra-abdominal pressure measurements should be performed in any surgical patient who demonstrates risk factors for IAH/ACS.     

Elevated cytokine levels in peritoneal fluid from burned patients with intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome

BACKGROUND: Burn patients with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) undergo vigorous resuscitation and accumulate peritoneal fluid (PF) that is a plasma ultra-filtrate. This study compared antithrombin (AT) and cytokine levels in burn patient plasma and peritoneal fluid (PF). METHODS: Twenty-nine patients were studied: 22 developed IAH and 9 progressed to ACS. Burn + inhalation injury was present in 22 patients; 5 had burn only and 2 had inhalation only. Sixteen patients died: of these, 9 survived less than 48 h due to the severity of their injuries. Flow cytometry utilized the Cytometric Bead Array kit for Human Th1/Th2 cytokines. AT levels were determined by the Accucolor method spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: All cytokine levels were significantly elevated in burn plasma and PF compared to normal plasma, p < 0.001. AT plasma levels were decreased compared to normal. AT and cytokines were present in peritoneal fluid of burn patients with IAH and ACS. Patients who died had decreased plasma levels of AT and increased IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, IL-2 peritoneal fluid levels compared to survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal fluid may be a reservoir for cytokines during initial resuscitation and contributes to homeostatic perturbations in burn patients.     

Hypertonic lactated saline resuscitation reduces the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome in severely burned patients

BACKGROUND: Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome is a lethal complication after resuscitation from burn shock. Hypertonic lactated saline (HLS) infusion reduces early fluid requirements in burn shock, but the effects of HLS on intraabdominal pressure have not been clarified. METHODS: Patients admitted to our burn unit between 2002 and 2004 with burns > or =40% of the total body surface area without severe inhalation injury were entered into a fluid resuscitation protocol using HLS (n = 14) or lactated Ringer's solution (n = 22). Urine output was monitored hourly with a goal of 0.5 to 1.0 mL/kg per hour. Hemodynamic parameters, blood gas analysis, intrabladder pressure as an indicator of intraabdominal pressure (IAP), and the peak inspiratory pressure were recorded. Pulmonary compliance and the abdominal perfusion pressure were also calculated. RESULTS: In the HLS group, the amount of intravenous fluid volume needed to maintain adequate urine output was less at 3.1 +/- 0.9 versus 5.2 +/- 1.2 mL/24 h per kg per percentage of total body surface area, and the peak IAP and peak inspiratory pressure at 24 hours after injury were significantly lower than those in the lactated Ringer's group. Two of 14 patients (14%) in the HLS group and 11 of 22 patients (50%) developed IAH within 20.8 +/- 7.2 hours after injury. CONCLUSION: In patients with severe burn injury, a large intravenous fluid volume decreases abdominal perfusion during the resuscitative period because of increased IAP. Our data suggest that HLS resuscitation could reduce the risk of secondary abdominal compartment syndrome with lower fluid load in burn shock patients.