Intraabdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome after pelvic fractures: How they occur and what can be done?

BackgroundLimited data exist regarding intraabdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome (IAH/ACS) after pelvic fractures. We aimed to explore risk factors for IAH/ACS in pelvic fracture patients, assess the physiological effects of decompressive laparotomy (DL) on IAH/ACS, and generate an algorithm to manage IAH/ACS after pelvic fracture.Materials and methodsPelvic fracture patients were included based on the presence of IAH/ACS. Intraabdominal pressure (IAP) was measured through a Foley catheter. DL was performed in patients with refractory IAH or ACS. Multivariable linear regression was applied to assess associations between IAP levels (≥12 mmHg) and age, sex, injury severity score (ISS), pelvic fracture, volume of resuscitation fluids over 24 h and hemoglobin values. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples was used to compare variables before and after DL.ResultsAmong 455 pelvic fracture patients, 44 (9.7%) and 5 (1.1%) were diagnosed with IAH and ACS, respectively. The volume of resuscitation fluids over 24 h exhibited a significant positive correlation with IAP levels (≥12 mmHg) (p = 0.002). The main findings during DL were edematous bowel (11/20) and retroperitoneal hematoma (7/20). DL caused a significant decrease in the mean IAP from 24.4 ± 8.5 mmHg to 13.4 ± 4.0 mmHg (p < 0.0001). Physiological parameters (APP, PaO2/FIO2 ratio, PIP, arterial lactate and UOP) were significantly improved after DL. The mortality rate was 15% in patients who underwent DL and 40% in ACS patients.ConclusionsIAH/ACS is common in pelvic fracture patients. The most effective method to decrease IAP in pelvic fracture patients is DL. Prophylactic DL is important for decreasing mortality as it prevents IAH from progressing to ACS. Massive fluid resuscitation is a significant risk factor for IAH/ACS. A pathway incorporating prophylactic/therapeutic DL and optimized fluid resuscitation to prevent and manage IAH/ACS after pelvic fractures may reduce morbidity and mortality.     

Incidence, risk factors and outcome associations of intra-abdominal hypertension in critically ill patients

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are significantly associated with morbidity and mortality. We performed a prospective observational study and applied recently published consensus criteria to measure and describe the incidence of IAH and ACS, identify risk factors for their development and define their association with outcomes. We studied 100 consecutive patients admitted to our general intensive care unit. We recorded relevant demographic, clinical data and maximal (max) and mean intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). We measured and defined IAH and ACS using consensus guidelines. Of our study patients, 42% (by IAPmax) and 38% (by IAPmean) had IAH. Patients with IAH had greater mean body mass index (30.4 ± 9.6 vs 25.4 ± 5.6 kg/m(2), P=0.005), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score (78.2 ± 28.5 vs 65.5 ± 29.2, P=0.03) and central venous pressure (12.8 ± 4.8 vs 9.2 ± 3.5 mmHg, P <0.001), lower abdominal perfusion pressure (67.6±13.5 vs 79.3 ± 17.3 mmHg, P <0.001) and lower filtration gradient (51.2 ± 14.8 vs 71.6 ± 17.7 mmHg; P <0.001). Risk factors associated with IAH were body mass index =30 (P <0.001), higher central venous pressure (P <0.001), presence of abdominal infection (P=0.005) and presence of sepsis on admission (P=0.035). Abdominal compartment syndrome developed in 4% of patients. IAP was not associated with an increased risk of mortality after adjusting for other confounders. We conclude that, in a general population of critically ill patients, using consensus guidelines, IAH was common and significantly associated with obesity and sepsis on admission. In a minority of patients, IAH was associated with abdominal compartment syndrome. In this cohort IAH was not associated with an increased risk of mortality.     

Intra-abdominal hypertension in neonates following congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: Correlation with early postoperative respiratory and gastrointestinal outcomes

BackgroundIncreased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is seen in patients after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair owing to reduction of thoracic contents into the relatively smaller abdominal cavity. In infants, IAP ≥11 mmHg is considered intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). We aim to determine the incidence of IAH and its relationship with duration of ventilatory support, and gastrointestinal function post CDH repair.MethodsWe prospectively recruited all neonates who had CDH repair in four hospitals in Malaysia from June 2018 to October 2020. Intra vesical pressure was used as a proxy for IAP and was measured for 5 consecutive days post surgery. The daily median value was used for analysis. We categorized IAP as <11 mmHg (no IAH), 11–15 mmHg (IAH), and >15 mmHg (severe IAH). Incidence of IAH, its effects on the duration of ventilatory support, and gastrointestinal function were studied.ResultsThere were 24 neonates included in this study. They were operated between day 1 and 6 of life (median: 4 days old). IAH was detected within the first 3 days post surgery, with 83% occurring on day one. Those requiring ventilatory support for more than 3 days contributed the largest proportion of IAH (n = 17, 71%). There was strong correlation between days of IAH and duration of ventilation (p < 0.001, r = 0.70). There was moderate correlation between days of IAH and duration taken to achieve full enteral feeding (p < 0.005, r = 0.70).ConclusionIAP measurement is a safe and useful adjunct in post CDH monitoring and in predicting ventilatory support requirements and the time needed to establish feeding.     

Problematik der intraabdominellen Druckmessung

Intra-abdominal hypertension (intra-abdominal pressure, IAP>12 mmHg) is observed in more than 30% of critically ill patients and is of major prognostic relevance. Unfortunately, clinical examination alone does not allow the IAP to be estimated with sufficient accuracy. Consequently, IAP monitoring should be considered if risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension are present in order to enable early therapeutic intervention. A technically simple estimation of IAP is possible by intravesical pressure measurements. Alternatively, intragastric pressure can be measured continuously and IAP changes can be detected rapidly. In addition the development of IAP values over time can be appreciated more comprehensively compared to single snapshot-like measurements. The goal of IAP monitoring is not to keep the IAP below a certain threshold, but rather to establish a sufficient abdominal perfusion pressure [APP=mean arterial pressure (MAP)?IAP] of 50–60 mmHg. However, no data have yet been provided showing that the routine use of IAP monitoring and APP targeted therapy is able to improve the prognosis of critically ill patients.     

不同体位对危重患者腹内压及腹腔灌注压的影响

【摘要】〓目的〓观察不同体位对腹内压及腹腔灌注压的影响。方法〓对2013年1月~2013年12月收治ICU的有腹内压监测适应征的78位患者分别在0°、15°、30°、45°采用测量膀胱压的方法监测腹内压,并计算腹腔灌注压。结果〓在腹内高压者,30°(21.46±3.91 mmHg, P=0.001)及45°(25.69±4.09 mmHg, P<0.001)时腹内压比0°(16.31±3.38 mmHg)时明显升高,而腹腔灌注压45°(51.92±10.05 mmHg,P=0.03)时明显低于0°(60.54±9.86 mmHg);在腹内压正常者30°(11.17±3.24 mmHg,P=0.002)及45°(15.59±4.13 mmHg, P=0.001)时腹内压比0°(7.23 ±2.14 mmHg)时明显升高,而腹腔灌注压45°(60.78±9.13 mmHg, P=0.004)时明显低于0°(71.28±8.86 mmHg)。结论〓危重病人不同体位对腹内压及腹腔灌注压有影响,床头角度越高,腹内压越高,腹腔灌注压越低,提示测量时应考虑体位的因素。     

Effects of intra-abdominal pressure on liver function assessed with the LiMON in critically ill patients

Background

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Our aim was to assess the effects of IAH on liver function using the noninvasive liver function monitoring system LiMON and to assess the prognostic value of IAP in critically ill patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of critically ill patients who were treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). The IAP and indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) measurements were made within 24 hours after admission to the ICU and repeated 12 hours later. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured via a Foley bladder catheter, and ICG elimination tests were conducted concurrently using the LiMON.

Results

We included 30 critically ill patients (17 women and 13 men aged 28–89 yr) in our analysis. Statistical analysis showed that the baseline IAP values were significantly higher among nonsurvivors than survivors (19.38 [standard deviation; SD 2.08] v. 13.07 [SD 0.99]). The twelfth-hour IAP values were higher than baseline measurements among nonsurvivors (21.50 [SD 1.96]) and lower than baseline measurements among survivors (11.71 [SD 1.54]); the difference between groups was significant (p < 0.001). The baseline ICG-PDR values were significantly lower among nonsurvivors than survivors (10.86 [SD 3.35] v. 24.51 [SD 6.78]), and the twelfth-hour ICG-PDR values were decreased in all groups; the difference between groups was significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that measurement of ICG-PDR with the LiMON is a good predictor of the effects of IAP on liver function and, thus, can be recommended for the evaluation of critically ill patients.     

腹内高压与急性胰腺炎严重程度的相关性分析

目的：探讨腹内高压（IAH）与急性胰腺炎（AP）病情严重程度的相关性。 方法： 选取2014年2月—2015年2月收治的AP患者80例,根据入院APACHE II评分,其中轻症胰腺炎（MAP）49例（MAP组）,重症胰腺炎（SAP）31例（SAP组）。采用经膀胱间接测量法监测腹内压（IAP）,4 h/次,连续5 d,连续2次IAP值≥12 mmHg诊断为IAH。比较两组IAH发生率,分析IAP值与APACHE II评分的相关性;比较SAP患者中发生IAH与未发生IAH患者不良临床事件的发生率,采用ROC曲线（AUC）评价APACHE II评分和IAP值预测SAP患者不良临床事件的价值。 结果：SAP组IAH发生率明显高于MAP组（45.2% vs. 0%,P<0.05）;Pearson相关分析结果显示,IAP值与APACHE II评分呈正相关（r=0.752,P<0.05）;SAP患者中,发生IAH者各项不良临床事件发生率均明显高于未发生IAH者（P<0.05）;IAP值预测SAP患者不良临床事件的AUC明显大于APACHE II评分（0.892 vs. 0.610,P<0.05）。 结论：IAH与AP病情严重程度密切相关,并影响AP患者的临床结局。IAP在预测SAP患者不良临床事件发生风险的方面具有重要的临床价值。     

Nonoperative management of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome: evolving concepts

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Nonoperative medical management strategies play an important role in the current treatment of IAH and ACS. There are five medical treatment options to be considered to reduce elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP): 1) improvement of abdominal wall compliance; 2) evacuation of intraluminal contents; 3) evacuation of abdominal fluid collections; 4) optimization of systemic and regional perfusion; and 5) correction of positive fluid balance. Nonsurgical management is an important treatment option in critically ill patients with raised IAP.     

Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Acute General Surgery

Background  Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is a harbinger of intra-abdominal mischief, and its measurement is cheap, simple to perform, and reproducible. Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), especially grades 3 and 4 (IAP > 18 mmHg), occurs in over a third of patients and is associated with an increase in intra-abdominal sepsis, bleeding, renal failure, and death. Patients and methods  Increased IAP reading may provide an objective bedside stimulus for surgeons to expedite diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of critically ill patients. One of the greatest challenges surgeons and intensivists face worldwide is lack of recognition of the known association between IAH, ACS, and intra-abdominal sepsis. This lack of awareness of IAH and its progression to ACS may delay timely intervention and contribute to excessive patient resuscitation. Conclusions  All patients entering the intensive care unit (ICU) after emergency general surgery or massive fluid resuscitation should have an IAP measurement performed every 6 h. Each ICU should have guidelines relating to techniques of IAP measurement and an algorithm for management of IAH.     

Current insights in intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome: open the abdomen and keep it open!

Background and aims  The abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is associated with organ dysfunction and mortality in critically ill patients. Furthermore, the deleterious effects of increased IAP have been shown to occur at levels of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) previously deemed to be safe. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of all aspects of this underrecognized pathological syndrome for surgeons. Methods and contents  This review article will focus primarily on the recent literature on ACS as well as the definitions and recommendations published by the World Society for the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. The definitions regarding increased IAP will be listed, followed by a brief but comprehensive overview of the different mechanisms of organ dysfunction associated with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). Measurement techniques for IAP will be discussed, as well as recommendations for organ function support in patients with IAH. Finally, surgical treatment and management of the open abdomen are briefly discussed, as well as some minimally invasive techniques to decrease IAP. Conclusions  The ACS was first described in surgical patients with abdominal trauma, bleeding, or infection, but in recent years ACS has also been described in patients with other pathologies such as burn injury and sepsis. Some of these so-called nonsurgical patients will require surgery to treat their ACS. This review article is intended to provide surgeons with a clear insight into the current state of knowledge regarding IAH, ACS, and the impact of IAP on the critically ill patient.     

腹腔内压力监测在危重患者预后分析中的作用

目的探讨监测腹腔内压力(IAP)在危重患者预后分析中的作用。方法采用前瞻性队列研究方法,选择我院ICU患者221例,采用经膀胱尿管间接测定方法每天监测患者IAP,连续7d。采用受试者操作特征曲线(ROC)比较各预后指标对患者预后的判断。结果存活患者IAP呈逐渐降低趋势,而死亡患者IAP则呈逐渐升高趋势,其中第5、6、7天死亡患者IAP显著高于存活患者(P<0.05或P<0.01)。Logistic多因素回归分析显示患者入ICU后第7天的IAP水平与危重患者的预后相关(OR=1.278,95%CI1.065～1.534,P=0.008)。患者入ICU第7天IAP的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.771±0.041,明显低于APACHEⅡ评分的0.921±0.021和SAPS评分的0.914±0.021(P<0.05或P<0.01)。IAP对预后的截断值为12.13mmHg,预后评价的敏感性为43.9%,特异性94.4%。结论观察IAP的变化有助于评估危重患者的预后情况。     

Intra-abdominal hypertension in nonelective surgery: a preliminary report

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is recognized to be associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. Etiologic factors for IAH can be divided into three categories: medical, posttraumatic, and surgical/postoperative. No studies have been performed on patients who underwent nonelective surgery, so our aim was to determine prospectively the incidence of IAH among these patients during their intensive care stay to correlate intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and other parameters. Abdominal pressure was recorded twice daily with the standard method. The study group enrolled 22 patients who underwent an abdominal operation that met urgency criteria and with a postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay of at least 48 hours. Several serum and clinical parameters were studied for the first 5 postoperative days as well as during ICU and hospital stay as well as monitored hospital mortality. Our results demonstrated that mortality was definitely higher among patients who developed IAH compared with non-IAH patients. Our results highlighted that a strong correlation existed between increasing values of IAP and worsening serum creatinine and PaO2/FiO2 quotient among patients who underwent nonelective surgery.     

IAH/ACS: The Rationale for Surveillance

Surveillance for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) should be implemented in every intensive care unit (ICU), because it has been demonstrated that surveillance is effective. Several criteria that have led to the conclusion that IAH/ACS monitoring is of value: First, IAH is a frequent problem in critically ill patients that directly affects function of all organ systems to some degree, and that is associated with considerable mortality. Furthermore, simple tools for intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) monitoring are available, and it can be safely applied without the need for advanced tools. Finally, both ACS and IAH can be treated with either medical or surgical interventions. Treatment for IAH/ACS should be selected on the basis of the severity of symptoms and the cause of IAH. IAP monitoring should also be incorporated in the daily ICU management of the patient.     

Risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension in mechanically ventilated patients

Background: Intra‐abdominal hypertension (IAH) in intensive care patients is associated with an adverse outcome, but the risk factors for development of IAH have not been extensively studied. We aimed to identify independent risk factors for IAH in mechanically ventilated (MV) patients. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 563 MV patients staying in the general intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital for more than 24 h were observed during their ICU stay. Repeated intermittent measurements of intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) via the urinary bladder were performed. Results: IAH (sustained or repeated IAP≥12 mmHg) developed in 182 patients (32.3%). From all the study patients, 44.4% had a primary pathology in the abdomino‐pelvic region. Two thirds of all IAH cases developed in this group. Obesity [body mass index (BMI)>30], high positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP>10), respiratory failure (PaO₂/FiO₂ <300), use of vasopressors/inotropes, pancreatitis, hepatic failure/cirrhosis with ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding and laparotomy on admission day were identified as independent risk factors for IAH. None of the patients without any of these risk factors (26 patients) developed IAH. Conclusion: The precise prediction of development IAH in mixed ICU population remains difficult. In the absence of BMI>30, PEEP>10 cmH₂O, PaO₂/FiO₂ <300, use of vasopressors/inotropes, pancreatitis, hepatic failure/cirrhosis with ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding and laparotomy on admission day, the risk for development of IAH in MV ICU patients is minimal.     

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.     

Intra-abdominal pressure as a predictor of acute kidney injury in postoperative abdominal surgery

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) could predict acute renal injury (AKI) in the postoperative period of abdominal surgeries, and which would be its cutoff value. Patients and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the period from January 2010 to March 2011 in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of the University Hospital of Botucatu Medical School, UNESP. Consecutive patients undergoing abdominal surgery were included in the study. Initial evaluation, at admission in ICU, was performed in order to obtain demographic, clinical surgical and therapeutic data. Evaluation of IAP was obtained by the intravesical method, four times per day, and renal function was evaluated during the patient’s stay in the ICU until discharge, death or occurrence of AKI. Results: A total of 60 patients were evaluated, 16 patients developed intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), 45 developed an abnormal IAP (>7?mmHg) and 26 developed AKI. The first IAP at the time of admission to the ICU was able to predict the occurrence of AKI (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.669; p?=?0.029) with the best cutoff point (by Youden index method) ≥7.68?mmHg, sensitivity of 87%, specificity of 46% at this point. The serial assessment of this parameter did not added prognostic value to initial evaluation. Conclusion: IAH was frequent in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries during ICU stay, and it predicted the occurrence of AKI. Serial assessments of IAP did not provided better discriminatory power than initial evaluation.     

Renal dysfunction associated with intra-abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome

Once considered mostly a postsurgical condition, intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are now thought to increase morbidity and mortality in many patients receiving medical or surgical intensive care. Animal data and human observational studies indicate that oliguria and acute kidney injury are early and frequent consequences of IAH/ACS and can be present at relatively low levels of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Among medical patients at particular risk are those with septic shock and severe acute pancreatitis, but the adverse effects of IAH may also be seen in cardiorenal and hepatorenal syndromes. Factors predisposing to IAH/ACS include sepsis, large volume fluid resuscitation, polytransfusion, mechanical ventilation with high intrathoracic pressure, and acidosis, among others. Transduction of bladder pressure is the gold standard for measuring intra-abdominal pressure, and several nonsurgical methods can help reduce IAP. The role of renal replacement therapy for volume management is not well defined but may be beneficial in some cases. IAH/ACS is an important possible cause of acute renal failure in critically ill patients and screening may benefit those at increased risk.     

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome: Current Problems and New Strategies

Background Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a diffucult entity with two main problems during its course: (1) survival of the patient during the early period and (2) closure of the open wounds during the late period. In this study we evaluated the decision to decompress according to the level of intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and analysis of any recurrent or persistent increase in IAP. Methods A prospective study was undertaken on 119 patients with increased IAP. The IAP was measured daily by obtaining the bladder pressure. Patients were monitored via a central venous line; and vital signs, arterial blood gases, the Acute Physiology, Age, and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, and abbreviated mental tests were recorded. The suggestions of Meldrum et al. were taken as a guideline during the treatment. The sensitivity and specifity of IAP and APACHE II scores for different cutoff values were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results Hospital mortality was 33.6%, which increased with co-morbidities (p = 0.03). A cutoff value for IAP of 23 mmHg was considered an optimal point predicting mortality. The IAP within the first 3 days for patients who died was higher than the cutoff value. For patients with IAP of 15 to 25 mmHg, nonsurgical therapy increased the rate of mortality (odds ratio 5.2, 95% confidence interval 1.0–27.7; p = 0.03). Conclusions In patients with ACS emergency, it is recommended that decompressive laparotomy to be performed even if the IAP falls below 25 mmHg. For patients with IAP levels higher than 25 mmHg, the IAP should be meticolusly brought below the cutoff level during the postoperative period.     

Intra-abdominal pressure and intra-abdominal hypertension in critically ill obstetric patients: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundCritically ill obstetric patients may have risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension. This study evaluated the intra-abdominal pressure and its effect on organ function and the epidemiology of intra-abdominal hypertension.MethodsObstetric patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit, with an anticipated stay greater than 24 hours, were included. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured daily via a Foley catheter, based on intravesical pressure.ResultsOne-hundred-and-one patients were enrolled. The intra-abdominal pressure was 5–7 mmHg in 34%; 7–12 mmHg in 60%; and ≥12 mmHg (intra-abdominal hypertension) in 6%. All six patients with intra-abdominal hypertension were pregnant at the time of admission. The intra-abdominal pressure in four patients normalized to <12 mmHg following delivery, but in the remaining two it persisted ≥12 mmHg and both these patients died. Correlation between intra-abdominal pressure and organ dysfunction was weak (r=0.211). Statistical comparison between patients with and without intra-abdominal hypertension for risk factors, daily intra-abdominal pressures, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score could not be done due to the disproportionately small number of patients with intra-abdominal hypertension as opposed to those without (6 versus 95). Intra-abdominal pressure did not significantly differ between survivors and non-survivors (8.5 ± 1.1 vs 7.9 ± 1.7 mmHg, P=0.079).ConclusionsThe incidence of intra-abdominal hypertension in critically ill obstetric patients was lower than previously defined for mixed Intensive Care Unit populations, with an association with the pregnant state. Normalization of intra-abdominal pressure after delivery was associated with better survival. There was no correlation between intra-abdominal pressure and organ function or mortality.     

Abdominal Hypertension and Liver Dysfunction in Intensive Care Unit Patients: An “On-Off” Phenomenon?

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) can affect liver hemodynamics but it is not known if has a significant clinical impact on liver function. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IAH and liver function. A prospective study was performed in 110 adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured on admission and every other day, and liver sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was collected whenever IAP was measured. IAH was defined by a IAP >or= 10 mm Hg, and liver dysfunction was defined by a hepatic SOFA score >or= 2. An overall IAH incidence of 56.3% was found (n = 62). Thirty-three patients presented a liver SOFA score >or= 2, with an overall incidence of 30%. Liver SOFA score of the group of patients with abdominal hypertension was higher than in group of patients without abdominal hypertension. (0.8 +/- 1.05 vs 0.4 +/- 0.7; P < .05), but IAH and liver dysfunction were not significantly associated (chi2 = 2.03; P = .15). When the whole sample was divided according to the worst IAP score (IAP < 10, IAP between 10 and 15, and IAP > 15), the corresponding liver dysfunction scores in the three groups were 0.35 +/- 0.6, 0.74 +/- 1, and 1.2 +/- 1.3, respectively (P = .01). A strict association between IAH and liver dysfunction was not found. Most likely, low levels of IAH, although able to reduce liver blood flow, are not per se sufficient to produce a real dysfunction; however, a correlation between the degree of IAH and the degree of hyperbilirubinemia exists. IAH does not seem to be an "on-off" phenomenon, but produces liver alterations for increasing levels of its severity.