Abdominal Compartment Syndrome In Children Research Articles

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Children: Perioperative Concerns and Considerations ACS in Children

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Children: Perioperative Concerns and Considerations ACS in Children

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Children: Clinical and Imaging Features.

The objective of our study was to identify the clinical features and imaging findings of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in children. During the study period, ACS was diagnosed in 50 children, 14 of whom underwent CT or MRI. We reviewed the medical records of the 50 children to obtain clinical information, such as underlying risk factors, therapeutic approach, and clinical outcome, and we evaluated the CT and MRI examinations of the 14 children. We compared the imaging features of the 14 children with ACS with those of 14 age-matched control subjects who had abdominal distention without ACS. The most common risk factor of pediatric ACS was increased abdominal contents, particularly bowel dilatation. Among the 50 children, 38 underwent decompressive intervention. The mortality rate was 45% in the group who underwent decompression versus 58% in the group who did not undergo decompression intervention. From a review of the CT and MR images of the 14 patients with these examinations, we found that the most common findings were ascites (86%), basal lung atelectasis (69%), inferior vena cava (IVC) compression (50%), and abnormal enhancement of bowel wall (64%). Compared with the control subjects, the study group with ACS had the following suggestive imaging features: IVC compression (p = 0.001), basal lung atelectasis (p = 0.006), heterogeneous perfusion of the kidneys (p = 0.026), ascites (p = 0.043), and subcutaneous edema (p = 0.053). However, the ratio of maximal anteroposterior-to-transverse abdominal diameter (AT ratio) was not significant (p = 0.565). A well-known CT finding for ACS, an increased AT ratio, proved not specific for ACS in pediatric patients; rather, IVC compression, basal lung atelectasis, compromised renal perfusion, and ascites should raise suspicion for ACS in children.

An update on intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in children

The concept of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome is relatively new, but increasing awareness and evolving management strategies have been instrumental in reducing mortality by nearly half in critically ill patients with this condition. The thresholds for intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in children are different from adults. When intraabdominal pressure increases, it affects both abdominal and extra-abdominal organs. This needs to be recognised, the vicious cycle of poor perfusion and increasing intraabdominal pressure which ultimately leads to ischemic cellular necrosis. Focus has gradually shifted from treatment to prevention of progress of intraabdominal hypertension. Various non invasive methods can be used effectively to decrease intra-abdominal pressure, but surgical decompression is essential when organ dysfunction and abdominal compartment syndrome set in. This review describes the definitions, risk factors, pathophysiology and management strategies for increased intra-abdominal pressure in children.

Fulminant Pseudomembranous Colitis and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome

Patients with cystic fibrosis have higher rates of Clostridium difficile colonization than the general population. However, complicated forms of presentation are rare. We present a case of pseudomembranous fulminant pancolitis with abdominal compartment syndrome in a 9-year-old boy with cystic fibrosis. Conclusion: The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection is higher in patients with cystic fibrosis. Although it is rare, fulminant colitis can be associated with abdominal compartment syndrome. This is the only reported case of fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis associated with abdominal compartment syndrome in children who survived without total colectomy.

Incidence and prognosis of intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in children

PurposeIntraabdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are associated with high mortality rates in children (40–60%). However, literature lacks comprehensive series in childhood. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidences of IAH and ACS, to identify high risk disorders for the development of IAH/ACS and to decrease ACS-associated mortality by early diagnosis and timely intervention. MethodsA prospective study was performed between December 2009 and October 2010 in our institution. IAH was defined by a sustained or repeated pathological elevation in IAP≥12mmHg without a new organ failure. ACS was identified as a sustained IAP>15mmHg with a new organ dysfunction/failure. After recognition of IAH or ACS, patients underwent prompt decompressive interventions as medical or surgical procedures. Results150 patients were enrolled to the study (86 M, 64 F). The incidences of IAH and ACS were 9% and 4%, respectively. High risk disorders were trauma, ileus, necrotizing enterocolitis, abdominal wall defects, diaphragmatic hernia and septic shock with massive fluid resuscitation. 14 patients with IAH were treated and mean IAP was decreased from 13.9±1.9mmHg to 9.2±2.1mmHg (p<0.001). None of them progressed to ACS. Six patients with ACS underwent decompressive laparotomy. Mean IAP decreased significantly from 20±3mmHg to 9±1.4mmHg (p=0.001). Vital signs like mean urine output, abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) and respiratory rate were significantly improved after surgery (p<0.05). ACS-associated mortality rate was determined as 16%. ConclusionsIAH or ACS was occurred in nearly one tenth of patients admitted to neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. High clinical suspect must be drawn on to recognize and treat these clinical complications more efficiently. Regular and frequent IAP measurement in high risk disorders is essential for early diagnosis. Lower mortality rates can be achieved by early recognition and timely intervention in children.

Interpretation of the international guidelines for definition and clinical management of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in children, 2013

近年来,在重症或外伤患者的救治过程中,腹腔内压力(IAP)的重要性越来越得到重视,对腹腔内高压(IAH)及腹腔间隙综合征(ACS)的研究也逐渐增多.2004年世界腹腔间隙综合征协会(The World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome,WSACS)成立,其专家委员会在2006年提出关于IAH和ACS定义的共识[1],2007年制定临床治疗指南[2],并在2009年提出研究的建议[3],但无论是诊断还是治疗,都主要是针对成人而言.2011年WSACS的第五次国际会议,在回顾文献、更新2006年及2007年诊治指南的基础上,制定的2013版指南特别将ACS诊断标准及治疗方法中的儿童部分单独列出[4],现将儿童部分的内容及其修订的背景进行解读。

Decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome in children on ECMO: Effect on Support and Survival

PurposeAbdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) may complicate ECMO due to significant fluid shifts resulting in tense ascites and interstitial edema. This compromises venous cannula flow leading to inadequate patient support. It is debatable whether decompressive laparotomy should be performed in these patients due to the risk of bleeding and poor prognosis. We sought to evaluate the effect of decompressive laparotomy on ECMO support and patient survival. MethodsWe reviewed our tertiary care children's hospital ECMO registry (2000–2011) identifying those who underwent decompressive laparotomy. All had ACS as characterized by abdominal hypertension with abdominal distention, hemodynamic instability, oliguria, rising central venous pressures, and inadequate venous return to the ECMO circuit. Physiologic parameters immediately before and 60min after laparotomy were compared using a signed rank test. ResultsSeven patients were identified. ACS developed within 8h of initiating ECMO in 6 patients. Decompressive laparotomy resulted in significant improvement of patient physiologic parameters and ECMO venous return. One patient had significant bleeding following laparotomy. There were no survivors but three were organ donation candidates after stabilization via decompressive laparotomy. ConclusionDecompressive laparotomy for ACS in patients on ECMO markedly improves support and tissue perfusion. While in our series ECMO complicated by ACS carries a poor prognosis, we cannot confidently define this as futile therapy due to the limited sample size.

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Children

Abdominal compartment syndrome is defined as sustained intra-abdominal pressure greater than 20 mm Hg (with or without abdominal perfusion pressure <60 mm Hg) associated with new organ failure or dysfunction. The syndrome is associated with 90% to 100% mortality if not recognized and treated in a timely manner. Nurses are responsible for accurately measuring intra-abdominal pressure in children with abdominal compartment syndrome and for alerting physicians about important changes. This article provides relevant definitions, outlines risk factors for abdominal compartment syndrome developing in children, and discusses an instructive case involving an adolescent with abdominal compartment syndrome. Techniques for measuring intra-abdominal pressure, normal ranges, and the importance of monitoring in the critical care setting for timely identification of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome also are discussed.

Decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome in children: before it is too late

Purpose Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in children is an infrequently reported, rapidly progressive, and often lethal condition underappreciated in the pediatric population. This underrecognition can result in a critical delay in diagnosis causing increased morbidity and mortality. This study examines the clinical course of patients treated for ACS at our institution. Methods A review of children requiring an emergency laparotomy (n = 264) identified 26 patients with a diagnosis of ACS. ACS was defined as sustained intraabdominal hypertension (bladder pressure >12 mm Hg) that was associated with new onset organ dysfunction or failure. Results Patients ranged in age from 3 months to 17 years old and were cared for in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Twenty-seven percent (n = 7) were transferred from referring hospitals, 50% (n = 13) were admitted directly from the emergency department, and 23% (n = 6) were inpatients before being transferred to PICU. Admission diagnoses included infectious enterocolitis (n = 12), postsurgical procedure (n = 10), and others (n = 4). Patients progressed to ACS rapidly, with most requiring decompressive laparotomy within 8 hours of PICU admission (range, <1-96 hours). Preoperatively, all patients had maximum ventilatory support and oliguria, 85% (n = 22) required vasopressors/inotropes, and 31% (n = 8) required hemodialysis. Mean bladder pressure was 25 mm Hg (range, 12-44 mm Hg). In 42% (n = 11), cardiac arrest preceeded decompressive laparotomy. All patients showed evidence of tissue ischemia before decompressive laparotomy with an average preoperative lactate of 8 (range, 1.2-20). Decompressive laparotomy was done at the bedside in the PICU in 13 patients and in the operating room in 14 patients. Abdominal wounds were managed with open vacuum pack or silastic silo dressings. Physiologic data including fluid resuscitation, oxygen index, mean airway pressure, vasopressor score, and urine output were recorded at 6-hour intervals beginning 12 hours before decompressive laparotomy and extending 12 hours after operation. The data demonstrate improvement of all physiologic parameters after decompressive laparotomy except for urine output, which continued to be minimal 12 hours post intervention. Mortality was 58% (n = 15) overall. The only significant factor related to increased mortality was bladder pressure ( P = .046; odds ratio, 1.258). Cardiac arrest before decompressive laparotomy, need for hemodialysis, and transfer from referring hospital also trended toward increased mortality but did not reach significance. Conclusion Abdominal compartment syndrome in children carries a high mortality and may be a consequence of common childhood diseases such as enterocolitis. The diagnosis of ACS and the potential need for emergent decompressive laparotomy may be infrequently discussed in the pediatric literature. Increased awareness of ACS may promote earlier diagnosis, treatment, and possibly improve outcomes.

Diagnosis and treatment analysis on 10 cases of abdominal compartment syndrome in children

目的 探讨小儿腹腔间隙综合征的诊断和临床治疗情况.方法 对我院PICU 2006年6月至2009年5月收治的10例腹腔间隙综合征患儿进行分析总结.结果 经过对10例患儿的及时救治及腹腔间隙综合征的防治,治愈6例,自动出院1例,死亡3例.结论 对于伴有明显腹胀的危重症患儿,应常规进行腹内压监测,可及时诊断腹腔间隙综合征,在液体复苏基础上尽早手术,减少并发症,提高治愈率。

Secondary Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Children With Burns and Trauma: A Potentially Lethal Complication

Acute, rapid, and unimpeded increases in intra-abdominal pressure can lead to multiple organ dysfunction defined as the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). If this develops in the absence of obvious intra-abdominal injury, it has been termed secondary ACS (2 degrees ACS). Massive fluid resuscitation in the presence of large burns or shock can lead to 2 degrees ACS. The importance of early recognition and the need for urgent abdominal decompression have been recognized in adults; however, this has not been appreciated in the pediatric population. Medical records of four children diagnosed with 2 degrees ACS were reviewed. Secondary ACS occurred in three children with burns and in one child with a traumatic brain injury. Three children underwent decompressive laparotomy, and one underwent successful percutaneous drainage. There were two survivors. Secondary ACS may be observed in burnt or traumatized children needing large volume resuscitation. Early recognition of 2 degrees ACS by routine bladder pressure monitoring in this high-risk group of children may result in earlier decompression and a possible decrease in morbidity and mortality.

Abdominal compartment syndrome in children.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency, predisposing factors, clinical presentation, and outcome of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in critically ill pediatric patients. DESIGN: A prospective study over a 5-yr period. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care, university hospital. PATIENTS: All patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit were screened for the presence of ACS and were treated with a uniform protocol. ACS was defined as abdominal distention with intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) > 15 mm Hg, accompanied by at least two of the following: oliguria or anuria; respiratory decompensation; hypotension or shock; metabolic acidosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 1762 patients admitted over 5 yrs, ten patients (0.6%) had a total of 15 episodes of ACS. Of 406 trauma cases, three had ACS (0.7%). Three of the ten patients had primary abdominal conditions (mesenteric vein thrombosis, intussusception, enterocolitis), three had abdominal surgery (trauma, Kasai operation, esophageal perforation and peritonitis), three had primary central nervous system involvement, and one had meningococcemia. At laparotomy, bowel ischemia or necrosis was found in four episodes of ACS (27%). Mean IAP at diagnosis of ACS was 23.9 +/- 3.8 (range 17-31) mm Hg. Physiologic parameters were compared during 4 hrs before the development of ACS, during ACS, and after abdominal decompression. Mean arterial pressure, Pao(2), Pao(2)/Fio(2) ratio, and urinary output decreased significantly, whereas Paco(2), peak inspiratory pressures, positive end-expiratory pressures, and base deficit increased significantly after the development of ACS. After decompressive laparotomy, the condition of the patients improved promptly and these variables returned to pre-ACS values. Overall mortality rate in this group was 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Although relatively infrequent compared with adults, ACS occurs in critically ill children. Timely decompression of the abdomen results in uniform improvement, but overall mortality is still high. In contrast with adults, children with ACS have diverse primary diagnoses, with a significant number of primary extra-abdominal-mainly central nervous system-conditions. Ischemia and reperfusion injury appear to be the major mechanisms for development of ACS in children. Clinical presentation is similar to adults, but children may develop ACS at a lower IAP (as low as 16 mm Hg).

Abdominal compartment syndrome in children: Experience with three cases

Background/Purpose: Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as cardiopulmonary or renal dysfunction caused by an acute increase in intraabdominal pressure. Although the condition is well described in adults, particularly trauma patients, little is known about ACS in children. Methods: Three girls, ages 4, 5, and 5 years, were treated for ACS by silo decompression. Each child presented in profound shock, required massive fluid resuscitation, and had tremendous abdominal distension. The first child sustained a thoracoabdominal crush injury, underwent immediate celiotomy for splenic avulsion and a liver laceration, and required decompression 5 hours postoperatively. The second underwent ligation of her bluntly transected inferior vena cava; because of massive edema, her abdominal wall could not be closed, and prophylactic decompression had to be performed. The third presented with shock of unknown etiology, and ACS developed acutely with a bladder pressure of 26 mm Hg. Results: Respiratory, renal, and hemodynamic function improved immediately in all 3 patients after decompression. Subsequently, each child underwent abdominal wall reconstruction and recovered uneventfully. Conclusions: ACS is a potentially lethal complication of severe trauma and shock in children. To prevent the development of renal or cardiopulmonary failure in these patients, decompression should be considered for acute, tense abdominal distension. J Pediatr Surg 35:840-842. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.