Risk Factors For Intra-abdominal Hypertension Research Articles

Intra-Abdominal Hypertension and Compartment Syndrome after Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcome.

In pediatric liver transplantation (pLT), the risk for the manifestation and relevance of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is high. This observational study aimed to evaluate the incidence, relevance and risk factors for IAH and ACS by monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), macro- and microcirculation (near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)), clinical and laboratory status and outcomes of 27 patients (16 female) after pLT (median age at pLT 35 months). Of the patients, 85% developed an elevated IAP, most of them mild. However, 17% achieved IAH° 3, 13% achieved IAH° 4 and 63% developed ACS. A multiple linear regression analysis identified aortal hepatic artery anastomosis and cold ischemia time (CIT) as risk factors for increased IAP and longer CIT and staged abdominal wall closure for ACS. ACS patients had significantly longer mechanical ventilation (p = 0.004) and LOS-PICU (p = 0.003). No significant correlation between NIRS or biliary complications and IAH or ACS could be shown. IAH and ACS after pLT were frequent. NIRS or grade of IAH alone should not be used for monitoring. A longer CIT is an important risk factor for higher IAP and ACS. Therefore, approaches such as the ex vivo machine perfusion of donor organs, reducing CIT effects on them, have great potential. Our study provides important basics for studying such approaches.

Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension after giant ventral hernia repair: a retrospective cohort study.

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a classical complication after giant ventral hernia surgery and may lead to abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Assessment of risk factors and prevention of IAH/ACS are essential for hernia surgeons. We performed a retrospective study including 58 giant ventral hernia patients in our center between Jan 1, 2017, and Mar 1, 2022, we recorded age, gender, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypoproteinemia, body mass index (BMI), the ratio of hernia sac volume to abdominal cavity volume (HSV/ACV), defect width, tension reduction procedure (TRP), positive fluid balance (PFB) and IAH of these patients and analyzed the data using univariate and multivariate logistic regression to screen the risk factors for IAH after surgery. The multivariate analysis showed that HSV/ACV ≥ 25%, hypoproteinemia, and PFB were independent risk factors for the occurrence of IAH after giant ventral hernia repair (P = 0.025, 0.016, 0.017, respectively). We did not find any correlation between postoperative IAH and the patient's age, gender, COPD, CHD, hypertension, T2DM, BMI, defect width, TRP, and PFB. Identifying risk factors is of great significance for the early identification and prevention of IAH/ACS. We found that HSV/ACV ≥ 25%, hypoproteinemia, and PFB were independent risk factors for IAH after giant ventral hernia repair.

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in the critically ill liver cirrhotic patient-prevalence and clinical outcomes. A multicentric retrospective cohort study in intensive care.

Liver cirrhosis and ascites are risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS); however, data is scarce. We aimed to determine the prevalence of IAH/ACS in a population of critically ill cirrhotic patients with acute medical illness in intensive care and to assess for risk factors and clinical outcomes. This was a multicentric retrospective cohort study including two general ICUs and pooled data from a multicentric study between January 2009 and October 2019. A total of 9,345 patients were screened, and 95 were included in the analysis. Mean age was 56.7±1.3 years, and 79% were male. Liver cirrhosis etiology included alcohol in 45.3% and alcohol plus hepatitis C virus in 9.5%. Precipitating events included infection in 26% and bleeding in 21% of cases. Mean severity score MELD and SAPS II were 26.2±9.9 and 48.5±15.3, respectively, at ICU admission. The prevalence of IAH and ACS was respectively 82.1% and 23.2% with a mean value of maximum IAP of 16.0±5.7 mmHg and IAH grades: absent 17.9%, I 26.3%, II 33.7%, III 17.9%, and IV 4.2%. Independent risk factors for IAH were alcoholic cirrhosis (p = 0.01), West-Haven score (p = 0.01), and PaO2/FiO2 ratio (p = 0.02); as well as infection (p = 0.048) for ACS. Overall, 28-day mortality was 52.6% associated with higher IAP and ACS, and independent risk factors were MELD (p = 0.001), white blood cell count (p = 0.03), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (p = 0.03), and lactate concentration (p = 0.04) at ICU admission. This study demonstrates a very high prevalence of IAH/ACS in the critically ill cirrhotic patient in intensive care. Increased IAP and ACS were associated with severity of disease and adverse outcomes and independent risk factors for IAH were alcoholic cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy and PO2/FiO2 ratio, as well as infection for ACS. Early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of IAH/ACS might improve outcome in critically ill cirrhotic patients.

Predictive risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension after cardiac surgery.

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was is it possible to identify predictive risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) or abdominal compartment syndrome after cardiac surgery. Altogether 131 papers were found using the reported search, of which 7 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. A total of 755 patients were included, with the incidence of IAH between 26.9% and 83.3%. The limited evidence on IAH after cardiac surgery should be interpreted with caution. Obesity is a strong predictor of postoperative IAH, although not confined to a central pattern and body mass index is correlated with intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp time predisposed to IAH in 4 cohorts. IAH in cardiac surgery patients is associated with hepatic and renal impairment, and corresponding biochemical markers may be helpful in screening, although lacking specificity. In contrast to the development of IAH in other settings, the evidence for the role of fluid balance is poor. Accurate prediction of IAH remains elusive. Based on the available evidence, routine IAP measurement should be considered postoperatively in patients with obesity, particularly those with renal or hepatic impairment, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass or operative time, requiring vasopressor support, to prevent the deleterious effects of IAH.

Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in patients admitted to the ICU

BackgroundIntra-abdominal hypertension is frequently present in critically ill patients and is an independent predictor for mortality. Risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome have been widely investigated. However, data are lacking on prevalence and outcome in high-risk patients. Our objectives in this study were to investigate prevalence and outcome of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in high-risk patients in a prospective, observational, single-center cohort study.ResultsBetween March 2014 and March 2016, we included 503 patients, 307 males (61%) and 196 females (39%). Patients admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of pancreatitis, elective or emergency open abdominal aorta surgery, orthotopic liver transplantation, other elective or emergency major abdominal surgery and trauma were enrolled. One hundred and sixty four (33%) patients developed intra-abdominal hypertension and 18 (3.6%) patients developed abdominal compartment syndrome. Highest prevalence of abdominal compartment syndrome occurred in pancreatitis (57%) followed by orthotopic liver transplantation (7%) and abdominal aorta surgery (5%). Length of intensive care stay increased by a factor 4 in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension and a factor 9 in abdominal compartment syndrome, compared to patients with normal intra-abdominal pressure. Rate of renal replacement therapy was higher in abdominal compartment syndrome (38.9%) and intra-abdominal hypertension (8.2%) compared to patients with normal intra-abdominal pressure (1.2%). Both intensive care mortality and 90-day mortality were significantly higher in intra-abdominal hypertension (4.8% and 15.2%) and abdominal compartment syndrome (16.7% and 38.9%) compared to normal intra-abdominal pressure (1.2% and 7.1%). Body mass index (odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.13), mechanical ventilation at admission (OR 3.52, 95% CI 2.08–5.96) and Apache IV score (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04) were independent risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome.ConclusionsThe prevalence of abdominal compartment syndrome was 3.6% and the prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension was 33% in this cohort of high-risk patients. Morbidity and mortality increased when intra-abdominal hypertension or abdominal compartment syndrome was present. The patient most at risk of IAH or ACS in this high-risk cohort has a BMI > 30 kg/m2 and was admitted to the ICU after emergency abdominal surgery or with a diagnosis of pancreatitis.

Intestinal fatty acid binding protein as a predictor for intra-abdominal pressure-related complications in patients admitted to the intensive care unit; a prospective cohort study (I-Fabulous study).

Critically ill patients are at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and related complications such as organ failure, abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), and death. This study aimed to determine the value of urinary and serum intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) levels as early marker for IAH-associated complications. A prospective observational study was conducted in two academic institutional mixed medical-surgical ICUs in the Netherlands. Adult patients admitted to the ICU with two or more risk factors for IAH (198) were included. Urinary and serum I-FABP and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) were measured every six hours during 72h. Fifteen (8%) patients developed ACS and 74 (37%) developed new organ failure. I-FABP and IAP were positively correlated. Patients who developed ACS had higher median baseline levels of urinary I-FABP (235(P25-P75 85-1747)μg/g creat) than patients with IAH who did not develop ACS (87(P25-P75 33-246)μg/g, p=0.037). With an odds ratio of 1.00, neither urinary nor serum I-FABP indicated increased risk for developing new organ failure or ACS. A relevant diagnostic value of I-FABP levels for identifying individual patients at risk for intra-abdominal pressure related complications could not be demonstrated.

Intra-abdominal Hypertension and the Open Abdomen: Nursing Guidelines From the Abdominal Compartment Society.

Intra-abdominal hypertension has been identified as an independent risk factor for death in critically ill patients. Known risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension indicate that intra-abdominal pressures should be measured and monitored. The Abdominal Compartment Society has identified medical and surgical interventions to relieve intra-abdominal hypertension or to manage the open abdomen if abdominal compartment syndrome occurs. The purpose of this article is to describe assessments and interventions for managing intra-abdominal hypertension and open abdomen that are within the scope of practice for direct-care nurses. These guidelines provide direction to critical care nurses caring for these patients.

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 24hours, 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 5–7mmHg in 34%; 7–12mmHg in 60%; and ≥12mmHg (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 <12mmHg following delivery, but in the remaining two it persisted ≥12mmHg 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±1.7mmHg, 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.

Monitoring and risk factors of intra abdominal hypertension in EICU patients

Objective To investigate the risk factors of intra abdominal hypertension (IAH) in EICU patients and assess the prognosis of EICU patients with IAH. Methods The clinical data of patients were analyzed and internal bladder pressure was used to measure IAH, multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the indexes including age, gender, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ scores (APACHE Ⅱ), 24-hour fluid balance, hematocrit, serum calcium level and so on.Clinical prognosis such as mortality, hospital duration, etc.of patients with or without IAH were also compared. Results First 24-hour fluid balance, APACHE Ⅱ and serum albumin level were found to be independent risk factors for IAH in patients.Moreover, patients with IAH had significantly longer average length of hospital and intensive care unit duration, higher rates of systemic and local complications and more invasive treatments. Conclusion The results of this study are in favor of relief these risk factors in patients with IAH in early time. Key words: Emergency ICU; Intra abdominal hypertension; Risk factors; Monitoring

Abdominal compliance: A bench-to-bedside review.

Abdominal compliance (AC) is an important determinant and predictor of available workspace during laparoscopic surgery. Furthermore, critically ill patients with a reduced AC are at an increased risk of developing intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome, both of which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite this, AC is a concept that has been neglected in the past.AC is defined as a measure of the ease of abdominal expansion, expressed as a change in intra-abdominal volume (IAV) per change in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP):AC = ΔIAV / ΔIAPAC is a dynamic variable dependent on baseline IAV and IAP as well as abdominal reshaping and stretching capacity. Whereas AC itself can only rarely be measured, it always needs to be considered an important component of IAP. Patients with decreased AC are prone to fulminant development of abdominal compartment syndrome when concomitant risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension are present.This review aims to clarify the pressure-volume relationship within the abdominal cavity. It highlights how different conditions and pathologies can affect AC and which management strategies could be applied to avoid serious consequences of decreased AC.We have pooled all available human data to calculate AC values in patients acutely and chronically exposed to intra-abdominal hypertension and demonstrated an exponential abdominal pressure-volume relationship. Most importantly, patients with high level of IAP have a reduced AC. In these patients, only small reduction in IAV can significantly increase AC and reduce IAPs.A greater knowledge on AC may help in selecting a better surgical approach and in reducing complications related to intra-abdominal hypertension.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prognosis of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Epidemiological Study.

To assess the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Prospective cohort study from January 2011 to January 2013. All children consecutively admitted to the PICU, staying more than 24 hours and requiring bladder catheterization, were included in the study. On admission, demographic data and risk factors for IAH were studied. The intra-abdominal pressure was measured every 6 hours through a bladder catheter until discharge, death, or removal of the catheter. Of the 175 patients, 22 (12.6%) had IAH and 7 (4%) had abdominal compartment syndrome during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay. The independent risk factors associated with IAH were the presence of abdominal distension (odds ratio [OR] 7.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6-19.9; P < .0001) and a plateau pressure of more than 30 cm H2O (OR 6.42; 95% CI, 2.13-19.36; P = .01). The presence of IAH was associated with higher mortality (40.9% vs 15.6%; P = .01) and prolonged ICU stay (19.5 [3-97] vs 8 [1-104] days, OR 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04; P = .02). Thirty-three (18.8%) patients died in the ICU, and IAH was an independent risk factor for mortality (OR 6.98; 95% CI, 1.75-27.86; P = .006). Intra-abdominal hypertension does occur in about 13% of the critically ill children, albeit less frequently than adult patients, probably related to a better compliance of the abdominal wall. The presence of abdominal distension and a plateau pressure of more than 30 cm H2O was found to be independent predictors of IAH. Children with IAH had higher mortality rate and more prolonged ICU stay.

Intraabdominal hypertension in burn patients

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is frequent in the ICU and has been associated with adverse outcomes and worse prognosis. The purpose of our study was to assess risk factors for IAH and prognosis of major injured patients during burn resuscitation.

Relationship between Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and intra-abdominal pressure in intensive care unit.

BackgroundPatients in the intensive care unit are at risk of developing intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome.AimTo describe the relation between Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) vs. intra-abdominal pressure and the relation between SOFA and risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension.MethodIn accordance with the recommendations of the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, the present study measured the intra-abdominal pressure of patients 24 h and 48 h after admission to the unit and calculated the SOFA after 24 h and 48 h. Data was collected over two-month period.ResultsNo correlation was found between SOFA and intra-abdominal pressure. Seventy percent of the patients were men and the mean age was 44 years, 10% had been referred from general surgery (with a mean intra-abdominal pressure of 11) and 65% from neurosurgery (with a mean intra-abdominal of 6.7). Only three (7.5%) presented with intra-abdominal hypertension. The highest SOFA was 15 and the most frequent kind of organ failure was neurological, with a frequency of 77%. There was a strong correlation between the SOFA after 24 h and 48 h and peak respiratory pressure (ρ=0.43/p=0.01; ρ=0.39/p=0.02).ConclusionNo correlation was found between SOFA and intra-abdominal pressure in the patients covered by the present study. However, it is possible in patients undergoing abdominal surgery or those with abdominal sepsis. Não houve correlação entre o SOFA e a pressão intra-abdominal nos pacientes aqui estudados; contudo, sinalizou ser possível em pacientes com operação abdominal ou naqueles com sepse abdominal.

Mortality indicators and risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension in severe acute pancreatitis.

This study assessed the risk factors associated with mortality and the development of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). To identify significant risk factors, we assessed the following variables in 102 patients with SAP: age, gender, etiology, serum amylase level, white blood cell (WBC) count, serum calcium level, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score, computed tomography severity index (CTSI) score, pancreatic necrosis, surgical interventions, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Statistically significant differences were identified using the Student t test and the χ (2) test. Independent risk factors for survival were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression. The following variables were significantly related to both mortality and IAH: WBC count, serum calcium level, serum amylase level, APACHE-II score, CTSI score, pancreatic necrosis, pancreatic necrosis >50%, and MODS. However, it was found that surgical intervention had no significant association with mortality. MODS and pancreatic necrosis >50% were found to be independent risk factors for survival in patients with SAP. Mortality and IAH from SAP were significantly related to WBC count, serum calcium level, serum amylase level, APACHE-II score, CTSI score, pancreatic necrosis, and MODS. However, Surgical intervention did not result in higher mortality. Moreover, MODS and pancreatic necrosis >50% predicted a worse prognosis in SAP patients.

EComment. Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in cardiac surgery patients

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) has been defined by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) as a sustained or repeated pathological elevation of intra-abdominalŰressure (IAP) ≥12 mmHg and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) as IAP >20 mmHg with new organ dysfunction or failure [1]. IAH/ACS are recognized with increasing frequency in critically-ill patients. ACS is encountered in surgical and medical intensive care units and must be considered as an important factor of multi-organ failure including splanchnic, renal, liver, cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous system dysfunction. The syndrome is also associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. WSACS recommend that IAP be measured regularly in critically-ill patients who demonstrate risk factors for the development of IAH [1]. Even if these risk factors are found in cardiac surgery patients, the prevalence of IAH in cardiac surgery has not fully been elucidated. We read with great interest the paper by Dalfino et al. [2]. They aimed at identifying the risk factors for IAH in cardiac surgery patients. In their study, IAH is strongly associated with higher baseline IAP values, higher central venous pressure, positive fluid balance, extracorporeal circulation, use of vasoactive drugs and acute kidney injury. They conclude that patients presenting risk factors must be monitored properly during the perioperative period. We agree with their conclusions and would like to add a brief comment on therapeutic interventions. Currently, the diagnosis and management of IAH/ACS is evolving tremendously, and comprehensive strategies to reduce IAP play an important role in such patients. Approaches or techniques of potential utility include sedation and analgesia, neuromuscular blockade, body positioning, nasogastric/colonic decompression, promotility agents, diuretics and continuous renal replacement therapies, fluid resuscitation strategies, and percutaneous catheter drainage [1,3]. Non-operative strategies for the management of IAH/ACS may be summarized using five therapeutic goals: (1) evacuation of intraluminal contents; (2) evacuation of intra-abdominal space-occupying lesions; (3) improvement in abdominal wall compliance; (4) optimization of fluid administration; and (5) support of systemic and regional tissue perfusion [3]. Surgical abdominal decompression should be considered in any patient who demonstrates evidence of ACS. Decompressive laparotomy should not be feared or delayed because rapid decompression after the diagnosis of ACS dramatically improves cardiac function and results in improved organ perfusion and survival. Due to the severe morbidity associated with all forms of surgical decompression, the indications, timing and technique used should be carefully evaluated [3-5]. De Wolf et al. [4] reported two patients who required surgical abdominal decompression for ACS that developed early after emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Both patients had a protracted clinical course, but they survived and were discharged from the hospital. Rabbi et al. [5] described a secondary ACS that occurred during an elective coronary revascularization which resulted in an inability to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass. After decompressive laparotomy was done, the patient was successfully weaned from bypass. ACS is a potentially fatal entity of which all clinicians, and cardiovascular surgeons in particular, need to be acutely aware. We think that successful outcome depends on early recognition, early conservative treatment to reduce IAH and decompressive laparotomy if ACS develops in these complicated patients. Conflict of interest: none declared

Risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome among adult intensive care unit patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionAlthough intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality among critically ill adults, it remains unknown if prevention or treatment of these conditions improves patient outcomes. We sought to identify evidence-based risk factors for IAH and ACS in order to guide identification of the source population for future IAH/ACS treatment trials and to stratify patients into risk groups based on prognosis.MethodsWe searched electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database from 1950 until January 21, 2013) and reference lists of included articles for observational studies reporting risk factors for IAH or ACS among adult ICU patients. Identified risk factors were summarized using formal narrative synthesis techniques alongside a random effects meta-analysis.ResultsAmong 1,224 citations identified, 14 studies enrolling 2,500 patients were included. The 38 identified risk factors for IAH and 24 for ACS could be clustered into three themes and eight subthemes. Large volume crystalloid resuscitation, the respiratory status of the patient, and shock/hypotension were common risk factors for IAH and ACS that transcended across presenting patient populations. Risk factors with pooled evidence supporting an increased risk for IAH among mixed ICU patients included obesity (four studies; odds ratio (OR) 5.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.92 to 13.58), sepsis (two studies; OR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.34 to 4.23), abdominal surgery (four studies; OR 1.93; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.85), ileus (two studies; OR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.40 to 2.98), and large volume fluid resuscitation (two studies; OR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.30 to 3.63). Among trauma and surgical patients, large volume crystalloid resuscitation and markers of shock/hypotension and metabolic derangement/organ failure were risk factors for IAH and ACS while increased disease severity scores and elevated creatinine were risk factors for ACS in severe acute pancreatitis patients.ConclusionsAlthough several IAH/ACS risk factors transcend across presenting patient diagnoses, some appear specific to the population under study. As our findings were somewhat limited by included study methodology, the risk factors reported in this study should be considered candidate risk factors until confirmed by a large prospective multi-centre observational study.

Effect of mechanical ventilation on intra-abdominal pressure in critically ill patients without other risk factors for abdominal hypertension: an observational multicenter epidemiological study.

BackgroundMechanical ventilation (MV) is considered a predisposing factor for increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), especially when positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is applied or in the presence of auto-PEEP. So far, no prospective data exists on the effect of MV on IAP. The study aims to look on the effects of MV on IAP in a group of critically ill patients with no other risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH).MethodsAn observational multicenter study was conducted on a total of 100 patients divided into two groups: 50 patients without MV and 50 patients with MV. All patients were admitted to the intensive care units of the Medical and Surgical Research Centre, the Carlos J. Finlay Hospital, the Julio Trigo University Hospital, and the Calixto García Hospital, in Havana, Cuba between July 2000 and December 2004. The IAP was measured twice daily on admission using a standard transurethral technique. IAH was considered if IAP was greater than 12 mmHg. Correlations were made between IAP and body mass index (BMI), diagnostic category, gender, age, and ventilatory parameters.ResultsThe mean IAP in patients on MV was 6.7 ± 4.1 mmHg and significantly higher than in patients without MV (3.6 ± 2.4 mmHg, p < 0.0001). This difference was maintained regardless of gender, age, BMI, and diagnosis. The use of MV and BMI were independent predictors for IAH for the whole population, while male gender, assisted ventilation mode, and the use of PEEP were independent factors associated with IAH in patients on MV.ConclusionsIn this study, MV was identified as an independent predisposing factor for the development of IAH. Critically ill patients, which are on MV, present with higher IAP values on admission and should be monitored very closely, especially if PEEP is applied, even when they have no other apparent risk factors for IAH.

The evaluation of the effect of body positioning on intra-abdominal pressure measurement and the effect of intra-abdominal pressure at different body positioning on organ function and prognosis in critically ill patients

PurposeCurrent literatures confirmed the widespread and frequent development of both intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) among the critically ill with a significant associated risk of organ failure and increased mortality. The 2004 International ACS Consensus Conference committee proposed that intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) be measured in complete supine position; however, the supine position of intensive care unit (ICU) patients (<30° of bed increase) presented a significant risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Therefore, the potential contribution of head of bed (HOB) position in elevating IAP should be considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of body positioning on IAP measurement and the effect of IAP at different body positions on organ function and prognosis in critically ill patients. Materials and MethodsA prospective cohort study to investigate the effect of different patient positioning on IAP, organ function, and prognosis was conducted on 88 patients admitted to a medical-surgical ICU. On admission, patients' epidemiological data and risk factors for IAH were studied; daily mean IAPs, abdominal perfusion pressure, filtration gradient, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, sequential organ failure assessment score, and multiple organ dysfunction scores were registered; next, conventional hemodynamic variables, intrathoracic blood volume index, global end-diastolic volume index and extravascular lung water using the pulse contour cardiac output system were recorded. Intra-abdominal pressures were recorded through a bladder catheter every 4 hours on the first day. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured with the patient HOB increases from 0° to 45°. Mean arterial pressure was recorded simultaneously, whereas abdominal perfusion pressure and filtration gradient (FG) were also calculated simultaneously. ResultsThe main results of this study were the incidence of IAH (28.4%) and ACS (2.3%) in ICU patients; the significant and independent relationship between IAP and HOB increases. Considering the absolute numbers of IAP, the HOB of 10° and 20° showed slight differences, whereas that of 30° and 45° showed clinically significant differences; HOB elevation was associated with clinically significant decreases in abdominal perfusion pressure and FG; patients with IAH were prone to the development of shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and exhibited significantly lower intrathoracic blood volume index and global end-diastolic volume index and higher extravascular lung water. ConclusionsThere is a significant and independent relationship between IAP and HOB positioning in critically ill patients, with the HOB of 30° and 45° showing significant difference. Abdominal perfusion pressure and FG are significantly decreased when the patient's HOB is elevated. The potential contribution of body position in elevating IAP should be considered in critically ill patients with the risk of IAH and ACS.

Intraabdominal and Thoracic Pressures in Critically Ill Patients with Suspected Intraabdominal Hypertension

ObjectiveTo study the correlation between intraabdominal and intrathoracic pressures in patients with suspected intraabdominal hypertension. DesignA prospective, observational cohort study. SettingPolyvalent intensive care unit of a University hospital. PatientsTwenty-seven medical-surgical patients dependent upon controlled mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure and with several risk factors for intraabdominal hypertension (IAH). Main variablesIntraabdominal (IAP), esophageal (Peso) and airways pressures were measured under static (st) and dynamic (dyn) conditions. Respiratory system (Crs), lung (Clu) and chest wall compliance (Ccw) were calculated. ResultsIn 10 patients IAP>12mmHg (IAH, IAPst, 14±2 [12–21] mmHg), while in the rest the pressure proved normal (n=17; IAPst, 8±2 [3–11] mmHg). Pesost was 11±5 (2–27) and Pesodyn 7±4 (2–24) cmH2O. Depending on the presence or absence of IAH, Pesost was 9±4 vs 7±3cmH2O (P=.2) and Pesodyn 6±2 vs 4±3cmH2O (P=.3), respectively. The correlation between Pesost and dyn with IAPst was 0.5 (P=.003) and 0.4 (P=.03), respectively. The compliance components were decreased (Crs, 31±8; Clu, 52±22 and Ccw, 105±50ml/cmH2O); Ccw was significantly lower in patients with IAH (81±31 vs 118±55ml/cmH2O; P=.02). The correlation coefficient between IAPst and Ccw was −0.7 (P<.001), and −0.5 (P=.002) with respect to Crs. ConclusionsA stiffer chest wall was observed in patients with IAH. In patients with risk factors for IAH, pressures in these compartments were highly variable.

Presión intraabdominal y torácica en pacientes críticos con sospecha de hipertensión intraabdominal

Objective To study the correlation between intraabdominal and intrathoracic pressure in patients with suspected intraabdominal hypertension. Design A prospective, observational cohort study. Setting Polyvalent intensive care unit of a University hospital. Patients Twenty-seven medical-surgical patient dependent upon controlled mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory failure and with several risk factors for intraabdominal hypertension (IAH). Main variables Intraabdominal (IAP), esophageal (Peso) and airways pressure were measured under static (st) and dynamic (dyn) conditions. Respiratory system (Crs), lung (Cl) and chest wall compliance (Ccw)were calculated. Results In 10 patients IAP > 12 mmHg (IAH, IAPst, 14 ± 2 [12-21] mmHg), while in the rest the pressure proved normal (n = 17; IAPst, 8 ± 2 [3-11] mmHg). Peso st was 11 ± 5 (2-27) and Peso dyn 7 ± 4 (2-24) cmH 2O. Depending on the presence or absence of IAH, Peso st was 9 ± 4 vs 7 ± 3 cmH 2O (p = 0.2) and Peso dyn 6 ± 2 vs 4 ± 3 cmH 2O (p = 0.3), respectively. The correlation between Peso st and dyn with IAPst was 0.5 (p = 0.003) and 0.4 (p = 0.03), respectively. The compliance components were decreased (Crs, 31 ± 8; Cl, 52 ± 22 and Ccw, 105 ± 50 ml/cmH 2O); Ccw was significantly lower in patients with IAH (81 ± 31 vs 118 ± 55 ml/cmH 2O; p = 0.02). The correlation coefficient between IAPst and Ccw was –0.7 (p < 0.001), and –0.5 (p = 0.002) with respect to Crs. Conclusions A stiffer chest wall was observed in patients with IAH. In patients with risk factors for IAH, pressures in these compartments were highly variable.