Respiratory functions of burn patients undergoing decompressive laparotomy due to secondary abdominal compartment syndrome

Introduction

The development of secondary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is associated with multiple organ dysfunction. There is little information about the effects of decompressive laparotomy (DL) on respiratory function (RF) in burn patients developing ACS.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively obtained data characterising RF from the database of an adult burn intensive care unit (BICU). Peak inspiratory pressure (Pip), PaO₂/FiO₂-ratio (P/F), static compliance (Cstat) and airway resistance (Raw) were analysed over the course of 60 h at 8 time points relative to DL.

Results

Thirty-five patients with ACS underwent DL with a mean percentage of total burned body surface area (TBSA) 39 ± 23% and mean intra-abdominal pressure 33 ± 7 mmHg. All patients presented with significantly deteriorating RF within 12 h of DL (Pip 33 ± 4 to 39 ± 7 cm/H₂O, p = 0.003; P/F 232 ± 59 to 160 ± 55 mmHg, p < 0.001, Cstat 34 ± 5 to 26 ± 6 mL/cmH₂O, p < 0.001; Raw 18 ± 3 to 24 ± 9 cmH₂O/L/s, p = 0.02). All these parameters improved significantly (p < 0.001) after DL, regardless of the presence of inhalation injury or torso burns. Mortality was 71.4%.

Conclusions

Variables characterising RF demonstrated a rapid deterioration before and a significant and sustained improvement after DL in burn patients developing ACS. Despite these respiratory improvements, DL was associated with low survival rates. Secondary ACS remains a challenge in burn patients and thus warrants particular attention during intensive care treatment.