Validity and reliability of a novel, non-invasive tool and method to measure intra-abdominal pressure in vivo

Abstract

Intra-abdominal hypertension has been recorded in between 20 and 50% of intensive care unit patients, with rates increasing in ventilated patients. This increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) can reduce blood flow to vital organs, perpetuating further pressure build-up as organs become unable to drain excess fluids. Measurement of IAP for the diagnosis of intra-abdominal hypertension remains highly invasive, thus, a non-invasive alternative to traditional IAP measurement was developed and validated, herein. Fourteen living participants and 13 cadaveric specimen were tested with this novel device for IAP measurement. Living participant results were compared to published IAP averages, while cadavers were tested against the existing gold standard: intra-vesical pressure (IVP). Intra- and inter-rater reliability in both living and cadaveric tests presented excellent results. Convergent validity against published IAP values was also excellent (in living participants) and moderate (in cadavers), while convergent validity against IVP was inconclusive. These promising results support the interest in further research, particularly with IVP comparisons in living participants.