Acute Intestinal Distress Syndrome: the Importance of Intra-abdominal Pressure

This review article will focus primarily on the recent literature on abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) as well as the definitions and recommendations published by the World Society for the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS, www.wsacs.org). The risk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and the definitions regarding increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) will be listed, followed by a brief but comprehensive overview of the different mechanisms of end-organ dysfunction associated with IAH. Measurement techniques for IAP will be discussed, as well as recommendations for organ function support in patients with IAH. Finally, noninvasive medical management options for IAH, surgical treatment for ACS and management of the open abdomen will be briefly discussed.