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About Intra-abdominal Pressure monitoring
Intra-abdominal Pressure (Normal pressure < 12 mmHg)
Intra-abdominal Pressure (IAP) is the steady-state pressure concealed within the abdominal cavity. Pressure higher than 12 mmHg is normally considered Intra-abdominal Hypertension (IAH).
Intra-abdominal Hypertension (Increased pressure > 12 mmHg)
Clinical literature suggests monitoring all patients’ IAP in the first days after intensive care admission¹. This is due to the high prevalence of IAH in the critically ill and the life-threatening risks it presents to patients.
Early recognition of IAH is important; a number of non-surgical treatment options may be applied to normalise the patients IAP. Should these treatment options fail, surgical decompression may be urgently needed because increased IAP threatens the viability of the tissues within the abdomen, potentially leading to organ damage, if not recognised and treated.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is characterised by organ damage due to IAH. It occurs when the increase in the IAP interferes with vascular inflow and venous return, threatening the viability of the tissues within the abdomen - A common cause of mortality.
Mortality Rate
For patients identified with ACS, the mortality rate approaches 80%².
¹ Manu LNG Malbrain et al: Incidence and prognosis of Intraabdominal hypertension in a mixed population of critically ill patients: A multicentre epidemiological study. CCM 2005 Vol. 33, No.
²Kimball EJ, Intra-abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome: ARDS' of the gut. International Journal of Intensive Care, Spring 2006, pg. 31-40.
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