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Intra-abdominal Hypertension: A Comprehensive Guide for Critical Care

Dwight Bell

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Published in Intra Abdominal Hypertension (Core Critical Care)

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Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a serious condition that can occur in critically ill patients. IAH is defined as an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) of greater than 12 mmHg. IAH can lead to a number of complications, including organ dysfunction, abdominal compartment syndrome, and death.

Intra-Abdominal Hypertension (Core Critical Care)

by Manu Malbrain

4.6 out of 5

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The incidence of IAH in critically ill patients is approximately 10%. The mortality rate for patients with IAH is approximately 50%.

Causes of IAH

The most common cause of IAH is abdominal sepsis. Other causes of IAH include:

* Trauma * Surgery * Burns * Pancreatitis * Ascites * Ovarian cysts * Retroperitoneal tumors

Diagnosis of IAH

IAH is diagnosed by measuring the IAP. The IAP can be measured using a variety of techniques, including:

* The bladder pressure method * The rectal pressure method * The gastric tonometry method

The bladder pressure method is the most commonly used method for measuring the IAP. To perform the bladder pressure method, a Foley catheter is inserted into the bladder. The balloon of the Foley catheter is inflated with 10 mL of sterile water. The IAP is then measured using a pressure transducer connected to the Foley catheter.

Treatment of IAH

The treatment of IAH depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, IAH can be resolved by treating the underlying cause. In other cases, IAH may require more aggressive treatment, such as:

* Abdominal decompression * Diuretics * Vasopressors * Antibiotics

In severe cases of IAH, abdominal compartment syndrome may develop. Abdominal compartment syndrome is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate surgical intervention.

Prevention of IAH

The prevention of IAH is important in critically ill patients. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent IAH, including:

* Avoiding excessive fluid resuscitation * Using early goal-directed therapy * Treating abdominal sepsis promptly * Performing timely abdominal decompression

IAH is a serious condition that can occur in critically ill patients. IAH can lead to a number of complications, including organ dysfunction, abdominal compartment syndrome, and death. The diagnosis and treatment of IAH is important in order to improve outcomes in critically ill patients.

Intra-Abdominal Hypertension (Core Critical Care)

by Manu Malbrain

4.6 out of 5