World Society Of The Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Research Articles

The Correlation between Head of Bed Angle and Intra-Abdominal Pressure of Intubated Patients; a Pre-Post Clinical Trial

Introduction:The recommended position for measuring Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP) is the supine position. However, patients put in this position are prone to Ventilator-associated pneumonia. This study was done to evaluate the relationship between bed head angle and IAP measurements of intubated patients in the intensive care unit.Methods:In this clinical trial, seventy-six critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation were enrolled. IAP measurement was performed every 8 hours for 24 hours using the KORN method in three different degrees of the head of bed (HOB) elevation (0, 15, and 30). Bland-Altman analysis was performed to identify the bias and limits of agreement among the three HOBs. According to World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS), we can consider two IAP techniques equivalent if a bias of <1 mmHg and limits of agreement of - 4 to +4 were found between them. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (v. 19), and the significance level was considered as 0.05.Results:The prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension was 18.42%. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of IAP were 8.44 ± 4.02 mmHg for HOB angle 0°, 9.58 ± 4.52 for HOB angle 15 and 11.10 ± 4.73 for HOB angle 30o (p = 0.0001). The IAP measurement bias between HOB angle 0°and HOB angle 15° was 1.13 mmHg. This bias was 2.66 mmHg between HOB angle 0° and HOB angle 30°. Conclusion:Elevation of HOB angle from 0 to 30 degree significantly increases IAP. It seems that the measurement of IAP at HOB angle 15° was more reliable than 30°.

Awareness and knowledge of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome: results of a repeat, international, cross-sectional survey

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are increasingly recognized as aetiologies of organ failure and mortality among a wide variety of patient populations. Since the first global survey in 2007, several surveys have been conducted. However, it remains unclear to what extent healthcare professionals in clinical practice are aware of the widely accepted definitions and recommendations proposed in the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) guidelines and whether these recommendations are being applied clinically. We conducted an international cross-sectional survey to determine the impact of the 2013 WSACS IAH/ACS Consensus Definitions and Clinical Management Guidelines on IAH/ACS clinical awareness and management. We also aimed to compare the results to the findings of the global survey conducted in 2007. The survey had 559 respondents with most respondents being physicians from Europe, and who worked in mixed intensive care units (87.3%; n = 448). The majority of respondents (73.2%) were aware of WSACS (the Abdominal Compartment Society), with a greater percentage being aware of the WSACS guidelines compared to the 2007 survey (60.2% vs. 28.4%). A considerable proportion of respondents (18%) never measure intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), with the most common reason for not measuring IAP being reliance on physical examination (39%; n = 38). Analysis of the 11 questions related to knowledge and clinical practice of IAH, ACS and WSACS consensus definitions showed an improvement from the first survey (42.7% of questions answered correctly in comparison to 48.0% in this survey, P = 0.0001). The responses to how physicians managed IAH and ACS were different to the previous survey, with diuretics being used "usually" or "frequently" (49.2%), more than inotropes (38.6%), decompressive laparotomy (37.0%), paracentesis (36.5%), and fluids/blood products (24.2%). Most respondents would perform/request a decompressive laparotomy in cases of ACS. Polycompartment syndrome was something considered by 39% (n = 218) in their daily practice. Almost two thirds of respondents (63.5%; n = 355) thought that gastrointestinal injury should be added to the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. This survey shows an improvement in general awareness and knowledge regarding IAP, IAH and ACS, although the level of understanding and awareness of WSACS guidelines remains low. There appear to be some practice changes and greater awareness of the need to monitor abdominal pressures. Future initiatives should focus on education, identifying which patients should receive routine monitoring, and incorporation of IAH and ACS care into ICU bundles and protocols already in existence.

Abdominal compartment syndrome: knowledge of the medical staff of a University Hospital in Curitiba.

to assess the physicians' knowledge regarding intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome and to compare it with the established literature. we conducted a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study. We interviewed 38 physicians through a self-administered questionnaire composed of objective questions. We carried out the study in a tertiary reference university hospital, located in Curitiba, Paraná. the mean age of the participants was 28 years, 60.5% were female and the mean time of medical experience was 3.5 years. Regarding the knowledge on the subject, 57.9% considered that abdominal compartment syndrome starts with intra-abdominal grade III hypertension, 50% considered abdominal perfusion pressure the most reliable method to determine intra-abdominal hypertension, 89.4% considered the intravesical measuring technique as the most used, 71.1% considered oliguria to be the early sign of abdominal compartment syndrome. Of the interviewees, 81.6% did not measure intra-abdominal pressure because there was no protocol defined by the service. Seventy-nine percent of respondents said they did not know the definitions of the consensus of the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS). half of the physicians were able to classify intra-abdominal hypertension and indicate the onset of abdominal compartment syndrome correctly.

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome and Intra-abdominal Ischemia in Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

IntroductionSevere acute pancreatitis may be complicated by intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), and intestinal ischemia. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe the incidence, treatment, and outcome of patients with severe acute pancreatitis and ACS, in particular the occurrence of intestinal ischemia.MethodsThe medical records of all patients admitted with severe acute pancreatitis admitted to the ICU of a tertiary referral center were reviewed. The criteria proposed by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) were used to determine whether patients had IAH or ACS.ResultsFifty-nine patients with severe acute pancreatitis were identified. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements were performed in 29 patients (49.2 %). IAH was present in all patients (29/29). ACS developed in 13/29 (44.8 %) patients. Ten patients with ACS underwent decompressive laparotomy. A large proportion of patients with ACS had intra-abdominal ischemia upon laparotomy: 8/13 (61.5 %). Mortality was high in both the ACS group and the IAH group.ConclusionThis study confirms that ACS is common in severe acute pancreatitis. Intra-abdominal ischemia occurs in a large proportion of patients with ACS. Swift surgical intervention may be indicated when conservative measures fail in patients with ACS. National and international guidelines need to be updated so that routine IAP measurements become standard of care for patients with severe acute pancreatitis in the ICU.

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

BackgroundIntra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) have detrimental effects on all organ systems and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Intra-bladder measurement of the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is currently the gold standard. However, IAH is not always indicative of intestinal ischemia, which is an early and rapidly developing complication. Sensitive biomarkers for intestinal ischemia are needed to be able to intervene before damage becomes irreversible. Gut wall integrity loss, including epithelial cell disruption and tight junctions breakdown, is an early event in intestinal damage. Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein (I-FABP) is excreted in urine and blood specifically from damaged intestinal epithelial cells. Claudin-3 is a specific protein which is excreted in urine following disruption of intercellular tight junctions. This study aims to investigate if I-FABP and Claudin-3 can be used as a diagnostic tool for identifying patients at risk for IAP-related complications.Methods/DesignIn a multicenter, prospective cohort study 200 adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit with at least two risk factors for IAH as defined by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) will be included. Patients in whom an intra-bladder IAP measurement is contra-indicated or impossible and patients with inflammatory bowel diseases that may affect I-FABP levels will be excluded. The IAP will be measured using an intra-bladder technique. During the subsequent 72 hours, the IAP measurement will be repeated every six hours. At these time points, a urine and serum sample will be collected for measurement of I-FABP and Claudin-3 levels. Clinical outcome of patients during their stay at the intensive care unit will be monitored using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score.DiscussionSuccessful completion of this trial will provide evidence on the eventual role of the biomarkers I-FABP and Claudin-3 in predicting the risk of IAP-associated adverse outcome. This may aid early (surgical) intervention.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR4638).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13049-015-0088-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Awareness and knowledge of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome: results of an international survey.

Surveys have demonstrated a lack of physician awareness of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome (IAH/ACS) and wide variations in management of these conditions, with many intensive care units (ICUs) reporting that they do not measure intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). We sought to determine the association between publication of the 2006/2007 World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) Consensus Definitions and Guidelines and IAH/ACS clinical awareness and management. The WSACS Executive Committee created an interactive online survey with 53 questions, accessible from November 2006 until December 2008. The survey was endorsed by the WSACS, the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). A link to the survey was emailed to all members of the supporting societies. Participants of the 3rd World Congress on Abdominal Compartment Syndrome meeting (March 2007, Antwerp, Belgium) were also asked to complete the questionnaire. No reminders were sent. Based on 13 knowledge questions an overall score was calculated (expressed as percentage). A total of 2244 of the approximately 10,000 clinicians sent the survey responded (response rate, 22.4%). Most of the 2244 respondents (79.2%) completing the survey were physicians or physicians in training and the majority were residing in North America (53.0%). The majority of responders (85%) were familiar with IAP/IAH/ACS, but only 28% were aware of the WSACS consensus definitions for IAH/ACS. Three quarters of respondents considered the cut-off for IAH to be at least 15 mm Hg, and nearly two thirds believed the cut-off for ACS was higher than the currently suggested consensus definition (20 mm Hg). In 67.8% of respondents, organ dysfunction was only considered a problem with IAP of 20 mm Hg or higher. IAP was measured most frequently via the bladder (91.9%), but the majority reported that they instilled volumes well above the current guidelines. Surgical decompression was frequently used to treat IAH/ACS, whereas medical management was only attempted by about half of the respondents. Decisions to decompress the abdomen were predominantly based on the severity of IAP elevation and presence of organ dysfunction (74.4%). Overall knowledge scores were low (43 ± 15%), respondents that were aware of the WSACS had a better score compared to those who were not (49.6% vs. 38.6%, P < 0.001). This survey showed that although most responding clinicians claim to be familiar with IAH and ACS, knowledge of published consensus definitions, measurement techniques, and clinical management are inadequate.

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

Intra-abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome: updated consensus definitions and clinical practice guidelines from the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome

PurposeTo update the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) consensus definitions and management statements relating to intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).MethodsWe conducted systematic or structured reviews to identify relevant studies relating to IAH or ACS. Updated consensus definitions and management statements were then derived using a modified Delphi method and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines, respectively. Quality of evidence was graded from high (A) to very low (D) and management statements from strong RECOMMENDATIONS (desirable effects clearly outweigh potential undesirable ones) to weaker SUGGESTIONS (potential risks and benefits of the intervention are less clear).ResultsIn addition to reviewing the consensus definitions proposed in 2006, the WSACS defined the open abdomen, lateralization of the abdominal musculature, polycompartment syndrome, and abdominal compliance, and proposed an open abdomen classification system. RECOMMENDATIONS included intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement, avoidance of sustained IAH, protocolized IAP monitoring and management, decompressive laparotomy for overt ACS, and negative pressure wound therapy and efforts to achieve same-hospital-stay fascial closure among patients with an open abdomen. SUGGESTIONS included use of medical therapies and percutaneous catheter drainage for treatment of IAH/ACS, considering the association between body position and IAP, attempts to avoid a positive fluid balance after initial patient resuscitation, use of enhanced ratios of plasma to red blood cells and prophylactic open abdominal strategies, and avoidance of routine early biologic mesh use among patients with open abdominal wounds. NO RECOMMENDATIONS were possible regarding monitoring of abdominal perfusion pressure or the use of diuretics, renal replacement therapies, albumin, or acute component-parts separation.ConclusionAlthough IAH and ACS are common and frequently associated with poor outcomes, the overall quality of evidence available to guide development of RECOMMENDATIONS was generally low. Appropriately designed intervention trials are urgently needed for patients with IAH and ACS.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00134-013-2906-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Intra-abdominal pressure, intra-abdominal hypertension, and pregnancy: a review

The last several decades have seen many advances in the recognition and prevention of the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and its precursor, intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). There has also been a relative explosion of knowledge in the critical care, trauma, and surgical populations, and the inception of a society dedicated to its understanding, the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS). However, there has been almost no recognition or appreciation of the potential presence, influence, and management of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), IAH, and ACS in pregnancy. This review highlights the importance and relevance of IAP in the critically ill parturient, the current lack of normative IAP values in pregnancy today, along with a review of the potential relationship between IAH and maternal diseases such as preeclampsia-eclampsia and its potential impact on fetal development. Finally, current IAP measurement guidelines are questioned, as they do not take into account the gravid uterus and its mechanical impact on intra-vesicular pressure.

Abdominal compartment syndrome: survey on the awareness of Portuguese general surgeons

The Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS) is a clinical entity recognized for over a century, but only recently its risk criteria, monitorization and treatment have been defined by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS). The general surgeon's involvement is vital since this syndrome is common in surgical patients and because its treatment may culminate in a laparostomy. 250 questionnaires of 17 questions were distributed among general surgeons attending the XXVIII Portuguese Congress of Surgery. The data were analyzed using SPSS® v16. We received 36,4% (91) of the delivered questionnaires, most of which from male surgeons (63,7%), from central hospitals (75,8%), working 42 h per week (70.3%), whose average of age was 38 years. About half of the respondents received training in Intensive Care Units. All surgeons had already heard about measuring the Intra- abdominal Pressure (IAP), which was being performed at 89% of their hospitals. About 40% of surgeons only admitted intra-abdominal hypertension above 20 mmHg (only 22% indicated the correct value of 12 mmHg). 36,3% of surgeons suggested that a decompressive laparostomy must be carried out for primary ACS if IAP greater then 20 mmHg with new organ failure; 36.3% favoured the "Vacuum-pack"-like system, and 56% only re-operate the patients "as needed". 48,4% of surgeons had already performed decompressive laparostomy, 66% of which had residence training in a ICU (p = 0,005). Respondents also pointed an average mortality related to ACS of 81% without laparostomy, and a reduction to 38,5% after performing that procedure. Only 26% of the surgeons were aware of the WSACS consensus definitions and recommendations, of those, 83% had already performed a laparostomy (P<0,001). It can be concluded that, in spite of recognizing the ACS as a clinical entity, portuguese general surgeons are quite unaware of the WSACS definitions and treatment guidelines, urging the need for its divulgation.

Intraabdominal Hypertension and the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Burn Patients

Severe burns represent a devastating injury that induces profound systemic inflammation requiring large volumes of resuscitative fluids. The consequent massive swelling and peritoneal ascites raises intraabdominal pressures (IAP) to supraphysiologic levels commensurate with intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) and with the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) if consistently associated with IAP >20 mmHg and associated with new organ failure. Severe burn injuries are an example of the secondary ACS (secondary ACS), wherein there has been no primary inciting intraperitoneal injury, yet severe IAH/ACS develops, setting the stage for progressive multiorgan dysfunction. These definitions along with practice management guidelines have recently been promulgated by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS) in an effort to standardize terminology and communication regarding IAH/ACS in critical care. It is currently unknown whether these syndromes are iatrogenic consequences of excessive or poorly managed fluid resuscitation or unavoidable sequelae of the primary injury. It occurs frequently with burns of >60% body surface area, especially with associated inhalational injury, delayed resuscitation, and abdominal wall injuries. IAH/ACS is often a hyperacute phenomenon that occurs within the first hours of admission and thereafter with any complication requiring aggressive fluid resuscitation. Despite a number of noninvasive management strategies, interventions such as percutaneous peritoneal drainage and, ultimately, decompressive laparotomy are often required once the ACS is established. Whether novel resuscitation strategies can avoid or minimize IAH/ACS is unproven at present and requires further study. Truly understanding postburn ACS may require further insights into the basic mechanisms of injury and resuscitation.