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Objective: Although intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) can cause dysfunction of several organs and raise mortality, little information is available on the incidence and risk factors for IAH in critically ill patients. This study assessed the prevalence of IAH and its risk factors in a mixed population of intensive care patients.Design: A multicentre, prospective 1-day point-prevalence epidemiological study conducted in 13 ICUs of six countries.Interventions: None.Patients: Ninety-seven patients admitted for more than 24 h to one of the ICUs during the 1-day study period.Methods: Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured four times (every 6 h) by the bladder pressure method. Data included the demographics, medical or surgical type of admission, SOFA score, etiological factors such as abdominal surgery, haemoperitoneum, abdominal infection, massive fluid resuscitation, and ileus and predisposing conditions such as hypothermia, acidosis, polytransfusion, coagulopathy, sepsis, liver dysfunction, pneumonia and bacteraemia.Results: We enrolled 97 patients, mean age 64+/-15 years, 57 (59%) medical and 40 (41%) surgical admission, SOFA score of 6.5+/-4.0. Mean IAP was 9.8+/-4.7 mmHg. The prevalence of IAH (defined as IAP 12 mmHg or more) was 50.5 and 8.2% had abdominal compartment syndrome (defined as IAP 20 mmHg or more). The only risk factor significantly associated with IAH was the body mass index, while massive fluid resuscitation, renal and coagulation impairment were at limit of significance.Conclusion: Although we found a quite high prevalence of IAH, no risk factors were reliably associated with IAH; consequently, to get valid information about IAH, IAP needs to be measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effects of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on intra-abdominal pressure.Design and Setting: Single case report from a tertiary teaching hospital.Patients and Methods: A 65-year-old man who experienced a sudden respiratory and cardiovascular collapse during NIPPV. This was caused by gastric overdistension due to aerophagia followed by raised intra-abdominal pressure leading to intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome.Results: The respiratory and cardiovascular problems resolved immediately after the introduction of a nasogastric tube. This resulted in normalization of IAP.Conclusions: This is the first case reported of an abdominal compartment syndrome related to NIPPV. Clinicians should be aware of this possible complication while using NIPPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]