Results from the International Conference of Experts on Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. II. Recommendations.
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.
Cheatham
Michael L
ML
Department of Surgical Education, Orlando Regional Medical Center, 86 West Underwood, Orlando 32806, FL, USA.
Malbrain
Manu L N G
ML
Kirkpatrick
Andrew
A
Sugrue
Michael
M
Parr
Michael
M
De Waele
Jan
J
Balogh
Zsolt
Z
Leppäniemi
Ari
A
Olvera
Claudia
C
Ivatury
Rao
R
D'Amours
Scott
S
Wendon
Julia
J
Hillman
Ken
K
Wilmer
Alexander
A
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*