title: Pseudo-obstruction in the critically ill.
abstract: Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by impairment of intestinal propulsion, which may resemble intestinal obstruction, in the absence of a mechanical cause. It may involve the small and/or the large bowel, and may present in acute, subacute or chronic forms. We have performed a systematic review of acute pseudo-obstruction, also referred to as Ogilvie's syndrome in the literature, and focused on proposed mechanisms, manifestations and management of post-surgery and critically ill patients who suffer from one or more underlying clinical conditions. The hallmark of the syndrome is massive intestinal distension, which is detected on clinical inspection and plain abdominal radiography. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, treatment focuses on preventing intestinal perforation, which is associated with an average 21% mortality rate.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research Program, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Charlton 8-110, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Delgado-Aros
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Camilleri
mesh_terms: D016638:Critical Illness; D006801:Humans; D007418:Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*