title: Results from the International Conference of Experts on Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. II. Recommendations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) have been increasingly recognized in the critically ill over the past decade. In the absence of consensus definitions and treatment guidelines the diagnosis and management of IAH and ACS remains variable from institution to institution.
  
  
  METHODS
  An international consensus group of multidisciplinary critical care specialists convened at the second World Congress on Abdominal Compartment Syndrome to develop practice guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of IAH and ACS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prior to the conference the authors developed a blueprint for consensus definitions and treatment guidelines which were refined both during and after the conference. The present article is the second installment of the final report from the 2004 International ACS Consensus Definitions Conference and is endorsed by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence and etiological factors for IAH and ACS are reviewed. Evidence-based medicine treatment guidelines are presented to facilitate the diagnosis and management of IAH and ACS. Recommendations to guide future studies are proposed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These definitions, guidelines, and recommendations, based upon current best evidence and expert opinion are proposed to assist clinicians in the management of IAH and ACS as well as serve as a reference for future clinical and basic science research.
authors: Department of Surgical Education, Orlando Regional Medical Center, 86 West Underwood, Orlando 32806, FL, USA.
authors: Michael L
authors: ML
authors: Cheatham
authors: Manu L N G
authors: ML
authors: Malbrain
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Kirkpatrick
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Sugrue
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Parr
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: De Waele
authors: Zsolt
authors: Z
authors: Balogh
authors: Ari
authors: A
authors: Leppäniemi
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Olvera
authors: Rao
authors: R
authors: Ivatury
authors: Scott
authors: S
authors: D'Amours
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Wendon
authors: Ken
authors: K
authors: Hillman
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Wilmer
mesh_terms: D034841:Abdominal Cavity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003226:Congresses as Topic; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*