Main description:

Despite increasing interest in intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) as causes of significant morbidity and mortality among the critically ill, unanswered questions cloud the understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions: * Are IAH and ACS synonymous? * What are the ideal methods of measuring and lowering intra-abdominal pressure (IAP)? * When should we think of IAH? * Can IAH be prevented? * What level of IAP requires abdominal decompression? Written by two experts in critical care and IAP, Intra-Abdominal Hypertension is a distillation of the current literature and furthers the understanding of these complex critical conditions. Using a step-by-step approach and illustrative figures, this clinical handbook presents a concise overview of consensus definitions, measurement methods, organ assessment and treatment options. Intra-Abdominal Hypertension is essential reading for all members of the intensive care multidisciplinary team, including experienced and junior physicians, anesthetists and nurses.

Contents:

List of abbreviations; Part I. Understanding Intra-Abdominal Hypertension: What to Worry About?: 1. What is intra-abdominal pressure?; 2. Definitions; 3. Principles of IAP measurement; 4. Systems available to measure IAP; 5. Pitfalls of IAP monitoring; Part II. Underlying Predisposing Conditions: When to Worry?: 6. Decreased abdominal compliance; 7. Increased abdominal content; 8. Capillary leak and fluid resuscitation; Part III. Specific Conditions: When to Worry More?: 9. Pancreatitis; 10. Children; 11. Trauma; 12. Burns; 13. Obesity; 14. Pregnancy and others; Part IV. Consequences of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension: Why to Worry?: 15. Cardiovascular system and IAH; 16. Respiratory system and IAH; 17. Renal system and IAH; 18. Central nervous system and IAH; 19. Other organs and IAH; 20. How to define gastrointestinal failure?; 21. Polycompartment syndromes; Part V. Treatment: 22. Improvement of abdominal wall compliance; 23. Evacuation of intra-luminal contents; 24. Evacuations of abdominal fluid collections; 25. Correction of capillary leaks and fluid balance; 26. Specific treatments for intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome; 27. Surgical treatment; 28. Open abdomen management and temporary abdominal closure; Part VI. The Future: 29. The future of IAH and ACS; Index.