ABDOMINAL COMPARTIMENTAL SYNDROME: A CONCISE CLINICAL REVIEW

The abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is considered as the result of hypoperfusion and ischemia of intra-abdominal viscera with multiple organ failure due to raised intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). This syndrome is very difficult to identify because it usually occurs in critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units. Normal IAP ranges between 0 and 5 mmHg. When it is mildly increased (10-15 mmHg), cardiac index is maintained or lightly increased due to the abdominal viscera squeezing and venous return increasing. In this phase intravascular gradient volume will probably be correct spontaneously. At 15-25 mmHg, intra-abdominal pressure is moderately increased and the full syndrome may be observed, but can be still corrected with simple interventions. At higher pressures (>25mmHg) it must be realized surgical decompression, fluid resuscitation together with vasoconstrictive agents. Current diagnostic procedures for intra-abdominal measurement relies on bladder pressure's evaluation.