Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in burn patients

The abdominal compartment syndrome following aortic surgery

BACKGROUND

multi-organ failure is a leading cause of death following aneurysm surgery, especially in the emergency setting. Intra-abdominal hypertension is an important factor in the development of multi-organ failure. Prevention, early recognition and prompt treatment of abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome may reduce mortality following aneurysm surgery.

METHODS

a descriptive review of the literature from a Medline search.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

the abdominal compartment syndrome is the result of diverse physiological effects caused by increased intra-abdominal pressure. The syndrome has been most widely described in trauma victims, but occurs in patients following aortic surgery, particularly following ruptured aneurysm repair. Preventative therapy should be instituted to minimise its development in patients at risk, and monitoring of intra-abdominal pressure may allow prompt treatment of this condition.

Release of abdominal compartment syndrome improves survival in patients with burn injury

BACKGROUND

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has rarely been described as a complication of burn injury. This study describes cases of ACS in patients with burn injury and the physiologic results of abdominal release.

METHODS

Charts for all patients admitted to two major burn center intensive care units from January 1998 through August 2000 were reviewed for ACS. Physiologic parameters were compared before and after abdominal release.

RESULTS

Ten of 1,014 patients developed ACS. Abdominal release improved peak inspiratory pressures and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores (p < 0.03). The amount of fluid required to maintain adequate urine output also decreased substantially. Forty percent of patients with ACS survived to discharge.

CONCLUSION

Abdominal release for patients with ACS and severe burn injury results in physiologic improvement and a 40% survival rate. We recommend bladder pressure monitoring for all patients with severe burn injuries and abdominal decompression in any patient who develops pressures greater than 30 mm Hg if they have signs of physiologic compromise. Aggressive expectant management can effect a 40% survival rate in this group of severely injured patients.

Systemic inflammatory response secondary to abdominal compartment syndrome: stage for multiple organ failure

BACKGROUND

The abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of postinjury multiple organ failure. The ACS is defined as intra-abdominal hypertension causing adverse physiologic response. This study was designed to determine the effects of IAH on the production of interleukin-1b (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), and the effects on remote organ injury.

METHODS

IAH was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats which were divided into 5 groups, 10 animals each. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was increased to 20 mm Hg for 60 and 90 minutes in two different groups. In a third group following IAP of 20 mm Hg the abdomen was decompressed for 30 minutes before samples were collected. The other animals were used as controls. Hemodynamic response was monitored throughout the procedure. Cytokine levels were assessed in the plasma. Remote organ injury was assessed by histopathology and myeloperoxidase activity.

RESULTS

IAH caused a significant decrease in MAP. After abdominal decompression MAP returned to baseline levels. A significant decrease in arterial pH was also noted. Increase in the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 was noted 30 minutes after abdominal decompression. Plasma concentration of IL-1b was elevated after 60 minutes of IAH. Abdominal decompression, however, did not cause a significant increase in the levels of this cytokine. Lung neutrophil accumulation was significantly elevated only after abdominal decompression. Histopathological findings showed intense pulmonary inflammatory infiltration including atelectasis and alveolar edema.

CONCLUSIONS

IAH provokes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines which may serve as a second insult for the induction of MOF.

Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome is an elusive early complication of traumatic shock resuscitation

BACKGROUND

The term secondary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) has been applied to describe trauma patients who develop ACS but do not have abdominal injuries. The purpose of this study was to describe major trauma victims who developed secondary ACS during standardized shock resuscitation.

METHODS

Our prospective database for standardized shock resuscitation was reviewed to obtain before and after abdominal decompression shock related data for secondary ACS patients. Focused chart review was done to confirm time-related outcomes.

RESULTS

Over the 30 months period ending May 2001, 11 (9%) of 128 standardized shock resuscitation patients developed secondary ACS. All presented in severe shock (systolic blood pressure 85 +/- 5 mm Hg, base deficit 8.6 +/- 1.6 mEq/L), with severe injuries (injury severity score 28 +/- 3) and required aggressive shock resuscitation (26 +/- 2 units of blood, 38 +/- 3 L crystalloid within 24 hours). All cases of secondary ACS were recognized and decompressed within 24 hours of hospital admission. After decompression, the bladder pressure and the systemic vascular resistance decreased, while the mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, and static lung compliance increased. The mortality rate was 54%. Those who died failed to respond to decompression with increased cardiac index and did not maintain decreased bladder pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary ACS is an early but, if appropriately monitored, recognizable complication in patients with major nonabdominal trauma who require aggressive resuscitation.

Secondary extremity compartment syndrome

BACKGROUND

Abdominal compartment syndrome has been reported to occur after fluid resuscitation in injured patients, even in the absence of intra-abdominal injuries. This report describes a set of patients who developed the secondary extremity compartment syndrome (SECS) in uninjured extremities after resuscitation for other injuries.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective chart review of all trauma patients developing SECS at a Level I trauma center. Data are mean +/- SD.

RESULTS

From 1996 to 2001, 10 patients (8 men, age 31 +/- 13 years, Injury Severity Score of 29 +/- 17, and 3 with penetrating trauma) from a series of 11,996 trauma admissions developed SECS after resuscitation for other injuries. The mean number of extremities developing the SECS per patient was 3.1. This included compartment syndromes in 10 upper extremities and in 12 lower extremities that did not have any apparent injuries (i.e., contusions, fractures, or vascular injuries). After evaluation by the trauma team, abdominal silos were needed in 7 of the 10 patients also, and the mortality in patients with the SECS was 70%.

CONCLUSION

SECS is a rare complication of the postresuscitation systemic inflammatory response syndrome, is associated with significant morbidity, and may be a marker for mortality. SECS should be ruled out by measurement of compartment pressures in uninjured and injured extremities in patients with severe diffuse edema after resuscitation for injury.

Prospective study of the incidence and outcome of intra-abdominal hypertension and the abdominal compartment syndrome

BACKGROUND

Intra-abdominal hypertension has been recognized as a source of morbidity and mortality in the traumatized patient following laparotomy. Multiple organ dysfunction attributable to intra-abdominal hypertension has been called the abdominal compartment syndrome. The epidemiology and characteristics of these processes remain poorly defined.

METHODS

Intra-abdominal pressure was measured prospectively in all patients admitted to a trauma intensive care unit over 9 months. Data were gathered on all patients with intra-abdominal hypertension.

RESULTS

Some 706 patients were evaluated. Fifteen (2 per cent) of 706 patients had intra-abdominal hypertension. Six of the 15 patients with intra-abdominal hypertension had abdominal compartment syndrome. Half of the patients with abdominal compartment syndrome died, as did two of the remaining nine patients with intra-abdominal hypertension. Patients with abdominal compartment syndrome had a mean intra-abdominal pressure of 42 mmHg compared with 26 mmHg in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension only (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome was 2 and 1 per cent respectively. Intra-abdominal hypertension did not necessarily lead to abdominal compartment syndrome, and often resolved without clinical sequelae. Abdominal compartment syndrome did not occur in the absence of earlier laparotomy. Abdominal compartment syndrome was associated with a marked increase in intra-abdominal pressure (above 40 mmHg).

A pilot study comparing percutaneous decompression with decompressive laparotomy for acute abdominal compartment syndrome in thermal injury

Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS) has multiple causes, and decompressive laparotomy has been the most frequent modality to prevent worsening cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal function. This pilot study evaluated the utility of percutaneous drainage (PD) of peritoneal fluid compared with decompressive laparotomy in burn patients. A 26-month review was conducted. Nine of 13 (69%) study patients developed intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) that progressed to abdominal compartment syndrome in 4 (31%). All were treated with PD using a diagnostic peritoneal lavage catheter. Peritoneal fluid analysis revealed a sterile plasma ultrafiltrate with electrolyte and other chemistries reflecting patient serum levels. Five patients underwent PD successfully, and their IAH did not progress to ACS. Four patients with greater than 80% TBSA and severe inhalation injury did not respond to PD and required decompressive laparotomy. There was no evidence of bowel edema, ischemia, or necrosis. All patients requiring decompressive laparotomies died either from sepsis or respiratory failure. Percutaneous decompression is a safe and effective method of decreasing IAH and preventing ACS in patients with less than 80% TBSA thermal injury.

Acute compartment syndromes

BACKGROUND

Acute compartment syndrome is both a limb- and life-threatening emergency that requires prompt treatment. To avoid a delay in diagnosis requires vigilance and, if necessary, intracompartmental pressure measurement. This review encompasses both limb and abdominal compartment syndrome, including aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome.

METHODS

A Pubmed and Cochrane database search was performed. Other articles were cross-referenced.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of limb compartment syndrome is based on clinical vigilance and repeated examination. Many techniques exist for tissue pressure measurement but they are indicated only in doubtful cases, the unconscious or obtunded patient, and children. However, monitoring of pressure has no harmful effect and may allow early fasciotomy, although the intracompartmental pressure threshold for such an undertaking is still unclear. Abdominal compartment syndrome requires measurement of intra-abdominal pressure because clinical diagnosis is difficult. Treatment is by abdominal decompression and secondary closure. Both types of compartment syndrome require prompt treatment to avoid significant sequelae.

Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome is a highly lethal event

BACKGROUND

Recent reports have described resuscitation-induced, "secondary" abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in trauma patients without intra-abdominal injuries. We have diagnosed secondary ACS in a variety of nontrauma as well as trauma patients. The purpose of this review is to characterize patients who develop secondary ACS.

METHODS

Our prospective ACS database was reviewed for cases of secondary ACS. Physiologic parameters and outcomes were recorded. Data are expressed as mean +/- SEM.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (13 male, aged 45 +/- 5 years) developed ACS 11.6 +/- 2.2 hours following resuscitation from shock. Eleven (79%) had required vasopressors; the worst base deficit was 14.1 +/- 1.9. Resuscitation included 16.7 +/- 3.0 L crystalloid and 13.3 +/- 2.9 red blood cell units. Decompressive laparotomy improved intra-abdominal, systolic, and peak airway pressures, as well as urine output; however, mortality was 38% among trauma and 100% among nontrauma patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary ACS may be encountered by general surgeons in a variety of clinical scenarios; resuscitation from severe shock appears to be the critical factor. Early identification and abdominal decompression are essential. Unfortunately, in our experience, this is a highly lethal event.

Resuscitation, anaesthesia and analgesia of the burned patient

Burns resuscitation has evolved over the past few decades towards more evidence-based management. It has been shown that patients with major burns (i.e. involving more than 30% of the body surface) benefit from invasive monitoring, and physiological variable targeted resuscitation using vasoactive agents for cardiovascular support. The invasive approach results in a reduction of mortality rates. Since the introduction of the Parkland formula in 1968, there has been a trend towards the administration of fluid resuscitation far in excess of the volume predicted with this formula. This has led to an increase in complication rates, with more pulmonary oedema, and the appearance of abdominal compartment syndrome. Hypertonic saline solutions, whether with dextran or not, have shown no advantage over the classic Ringer's lactate solution. The colloid controversy has reached burns resuscitation, with the demonstration that the liberal use of albumin is associated with higher mortality rates. Fresh frozen plasma should only be used for specific coagulation disorders. On the other hand, artificial colloids, particularly gelatine, remain a useful tool in patients with major burns and haemodynamic instability, particularly, and can be given as early as 6 h after injury. Considering the actual evidence, using inotropes and vasopressors to reach supranormal haemodynamic endpoints seems preferable to delivering unrestricted amounts of fluid.

Abdominal compartment syndrome in the intensive care unit

The abdominal compartment syndrome is an increasingly recognized complication of both medical and surgical patients in the ICU setting. This syndrome has been described in a wide variety of clinical scenarios and results from a persistent elevation in intra-abdominal pressure characterized by graded organ system dysfunction. Manifestations of abdominal compartment syndrome include cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, splanchnic, and neurologic impairment. The diagnosis of abdominal compartment syndrome requires a high level of clinical suspicion combined with an increased intra-abdominal pressure, usually obtained via urinary bladder pressure measurement. Patients at risk for abdominal compartment syndrome warrant close monitoring and we recommend prompt abdominal decompression following documentation of increased intra-abdominal pressure in the setting of physiologic compromise. Abdominal compartment syndrome can significantly contribute to the morbidity and mortality of both medical and surgical patients alike in the ICU. The signs and symptoms of abdominal compartment syndrome should become familiar to all critical care practitioners.

Acute renal failure due to abdominal compartment syndrome: report on four cases and literature review

We report on 4 cases of abdominal compartment syndrome complicated by acute renal failure that were promptly reversed by different abdominal decompression methods. Case 1: A 57-year-old obese woman in the post-operative period after giant incisional hernia correction with an intra-abdominal pressure of 24 mm Hg. She was sedated and curarized, and the intra-abdominal pressure fell to 15 mm Hg. Case 2: A 73-year-old woman with acute inflammatory abdomen was undergoing exploratory laparotomy when a hypertensive pneumoperitoneum was noticed. During the surgery, enhancement of urinary output was observed. Case 3: An 18-year-old man who underwent hepatectomy and developed coagulopathy and hepatic bleeding that required abdominal packing, developed oliguria with a transvesical intra-abdominal pressure of 22 mm Hg. During reoperation, the compresses were removed with a prompt improvement in urinary flow. Case 4: A 46-year-old man with hepatic cirrhosis was admitted after incisional hernia repair with intra-abdominal pressure of 16 mm Hg. After paracentesis, the intra-abdominal pressure fell to 11 mm Hg.