A patient with severe burn injury is at risk for developing intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and the abdominal compartment syndrome.
Risk factors:
(1) large volume fluid resuscitation for a large total burn surface area (values range from > 30%. to > 70%)
(2) extensive scarring of the abdominal wall
(3) other traumatic injuries associated with intra-abdominal hypertension and/or after abdominal surgery
Intra-abdominal hypertension is detected by monitoring for an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Measurement of urinary bladder pressure is a common method.
Intra-abdominal hypertension is usually associated with a pressure > 20 mm Hg.
Abdominal compartment syndrome may defined as an IAP > 25 mm Hg and one or more organ failures.
Complications:
(1) ischemic bowel
(2) one or more organ failures
(3) hyperlactatemia
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