Submitted by Dr LAU Chun Wing Arthur, ICU, PYNEH, Hong Kong, on 3 June 2009
Regarding the measurement of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), which of the following is incorrect?
A. IAP should be expressed in mmHg and measured at end-expiration
B. IAP transducer should be zeroed at the level of mid-axillary line
C. Normal IAP is approximately 12 mmHg
D. Abdominal perfusion pressure (APP, i.e. MAP – IAP) is a more accurate predictor of visceral perfusion and a potential end-point for resuscitation.
Answer: C
- Normal IAP should be around 5 to 7 mmHg.
- A sustained or repeated pathological elevation in IAP≥12mmHg is already called intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH).
- A sustained IAP>20mmHg (with or without an APP < 60mmHg) that is associated with new organ dysfunction/failure is called abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).
Reference
Malbrain MLNG, Cheatham ML, Kirkpatrick A, et al. Results from the International Conference of Experts on Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. I. Definitions. Intensive Care Medicine 2006, 32: 1722 – 1732
Acknowledgment
I would like to thank Dr CHAN Kin Wai, ICU, PYNEH, Hong Kong, for recommending the article.