title: Definitions and pathophysiological implications of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome.
abstract: For any syndrome or disease process, uniform definitions are essential to facilitate effective clinical communication as well as evaluation of the scientific literature and standardization of research. The following consensus definitions for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal  compartment syndrome (ACS) have been proposed by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome and are now widely accepted around the world. The use of these definitions, and their subsequent revisions as new evidence becomes published, will further improve communication and future  research in this area. This review briefly addresses the present definitions as well as the pathophysiological effects of IAH/ACS on end-organ function.
authors.affiliation: Intensive Care Unit, Ziekenhuis Netwek Antwerpen, Campus Stuivenberg/St-Erasmus, Lange Beeldekensstraat 267, Antwerp 6, Belgium. manu.malbrain@skynet.be
authors.forename: Manu L N G
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Malbrain
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Cheatham
mesh_terms: D034841:Abdominal Cavity / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D059325:Intra-Abdominal Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009626:Terminology as Topic