Intra-abdominal Hypertension in Critically Ill Patients

The aim of the proposed study is to determine the incidence and prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in consecutive intensive care admissions using broad inclusion criteria.

Increased pressure within the abdominal cavity is particularly common in intensive care patients and has been shown to be an independent risk-factor for mortality in this patient population. The quoted rates of intra-abdominal hypertension of range anywhere from 20-60% are dependent on the population of patient studied. The prospective observational studies performed to date have been underpowered, used strict inclusion/exclusion criteria or were performed prior to consensus guidelines on the definition and measurement of intra-abdominal pressure and hypertension.