Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) have been increasingly recognized in the critically ill over the past decade. In the absence of consensus definitions and treatment guidelines the diagnosis and management of IAH and ACS remains variable from institution to institution. An international consensus group of multidisciplinary critical care specialists convened at the second World Congress on Abdominal Compartment Syndrome to develop practice guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of IAH and ACS. Prior to the conference the authors developed a blueprint for consensus definitions and treatment guidelines which were refined both during and after the conference. The present article is the second installment of the final report from the 2004 International ACS Consensus Definitions Conference and is endorsed by the World Society of the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. The prevalence and etiological factors for IAH and ACS are reviewed. Evidence-based medicine treatment guidelines are presented to facilitate the diagnosis and management of IAH and ACS. Recommendations to guide future studies are proposed. These definitions, guidelines, and recommendations, based upon current best evidence and expert opinion are proposed to assist clinicians in the management of IAH and ACS as well as serve as a reference for future clinical and basic science research.

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Results from the International Conference of Experts on Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. II. Recommendations.

ObjectiveIntra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) have been increasingly recognized in the critically ill over the past decade. The variety of definitions proposed has led to confusion and difficulty in comparing one study to another.DesignAn international consensus group of critical care specialists convened at the second World Congress on Abdominal Compartment Syndrome to standardize definitions for IAH and ACS based upon the current understanding of the pathophysiology surrounding these two syndromes.MethodsPrior to the conference the authors developed a blueprint for the various definitions, which was further refined both during and after the conference. The present article serves as the final report of the 2004 International ACS Consensus Definitions Conference and is endorsed by the World Society of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (WSACS).ResultsIAH is redefined as an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) at or above 12 mmHg. ACS is redefined as an IAP above 20 mmHg with evidence of organ dysfunction/failure. ACS is further classified as either primary, secondary, or recurrent based upon the duration and cause of the IAH-induced organ failure. Standards for IAP monitoring are set forth to facilitate accuracy of IAP measurements from patient to patient.ConclusionsState-of-the-art definitions for IAH and ACS are proposed based upon current medical evidence as well as expert opinion. The WSACS recommends that these definitions be used for future clinical and basic science research. Specific guidelines and recommendations for clinical management of patients with IAH/ACS are published in a separate review.

Results from the international conference of experts on intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome

T Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course was introduced in 1978 and is currently taught in more than 60 countries. It continues to be a widely accepted standard for the initial care of the trauma patient. Begun as a consensus view of recognized experts on safe initial management of a trauma patient, it combines didactic information with procedural skills, culminating with management of simulated patients. Evidence of its effectiveness includes ascertainment and retention of both knowledge and skills as well as reduced morbidity and mortality after introduction of the ATLS program. The ATLS course undergoes revision approximately every 4 years, with early editions primarily revising old and incorporating new content. The eight edition, published in 2008, established a new process for incorporating change. All content changes in that edition and all subsequent editions required evidence rather than opinion for change. Suggestions for change are submitted directly to the ATLS revision Web site, with the opportunity to provide references and the level of evidence. The ninth edition continues to rely on evidence to support changes in ATLS content. However, the major changes in the ninth edition are format and delivery changes rather than content changes. The drivers for format changes come primarily from the increasing understanding of adult education along with the educational preferences of the next generations. In both content and format, two principles in addition to level of evidence continue to guide any changes to the ATLS course. The course continues to emphasize one safe way to care for the trauma patient during initial assessment; it is not meant to incorporate the most advanced, cutting edge information or technology. In addition, with the increasing penetrance of ATLS around the world, there is increasing variation in local resources and practice. The ATLS vision is to embrace those differences that do not affect the ultimate delivery of safe care and allow flexibility for course directors to choose safe options that reflect their local practice.

Advanced trauma life support (ATLS®): the ninth edition.

Background. The deterioration of hemodynamics instantly endangers the patients' life after polytrauma. As accidental hypothermia frequently occurs in polytrauma, therapeutic hypothermia still displays an ambivalent role as the impact on the cardiopulmonary function is not yet fully understood. Methods. We have previously established a porcine polytrauma model including blunt chest trauma, penetrating abdominal trauma, and hemorrhagic shock. Therapeutic hypothermia (34°C) was induced for 3 hours. We documented cardiovascular parameters and basic respiratory parameters. Pigs were euthanized after 15.5 hours. Results. Our polytrauma porcine model displayed sufficient trauma impact. Resuscitation showed adequate restoration of hemodynamics. Induced hypothermia had neither harmful nor major positive effects on the animals' hemodynamics. Though heart rate significantly decreased and mixed venous oxygen saturation significantly increased during therapeutic hypothermia. Mean arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, and wedge pressure showed no significant differences comparing normothermic trauma and hypothermic trauma pigs during hypothermia. Conclusions. Induced hypothermia after polytrauma is feasible. No major harmful effects on hemodynamics were observed. Therapeutic hypothermia revealed hints for tissue protective impact. But the chosen length for therapeutic hypothermia was too short. Nevertheless, therapeutic hypothermia might be a useful tool for intensive care after polytrauma. Future studies should extend therapeutic hypothermia.

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Induced Hypothermia Does Not Harm Hemodynamics after Polytrauma: A Porcine Model

Background We investigated the impact of incisional hernia (IH) on quality of life and body image. Methods Open abdominal surgery patients were included in a prospective cohort study performed between 2007 and 2009 in an academic hospital. Main outcomes were incidence of IH after approximately 12 months and Short-Form 36 and body image questionnaire results. Results There were 374 patients who were examined after a median follow-up period of 16 months (range, 10–24 mo). Seventy-five patients had developed IH (20%); 63 (84%) were symptomatic. Adjusted for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score, patients with IH reported significantly lower mean scores for components physical functioning ( P = .033), role physical ( P = .002), and physical component summary ( P = .010). A trend toward significance was found for general health ( P = .061). Patients with IH reported significantly lower mean cosmetic scores ( P = .002), and body image and total body image scores (both P Conclusions Patients with IH reported lower mean scores on physical components of health-related quality of life and body image.

Impact of incisional hernia on health-related quality of life and body image: a prospective cohort study.

The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma's Advanced Trauma Life Support Course is currently taught in 50 countries. The 8th edition has been revised following broad input by the International ATLS subcommittee. Graded levels of evidence were used to evaluate and approve changes to the course content. New materials related to principles of disaster management have been added. ATLS is a common language teaching one safe way of initial trauma assessment and management.

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Advanced trauma life support, 8th edition, the evidence for change.

Background: The long-term physical, mental, and functional consequences of abdominal decompression for intra-abdominal hypertension are unknown. Methods: Thirty patients in various stages of abdominal decompression and delayed fascial closure for massive incisional hernia completed the SF-36 Health Survey and answered questions regarding their employment and pregnancy status. Results: Patients awaiting abdominal wall reconstruction demonstrated significantly decreased perceptions of physical, social, and emotional health (p < 0.05), whereas patients who had completed definitive fascial closure demonstrated physical and mental health scores equivalent to the U.S. general population. Ultimately, 78% of patients employed before decompression returned to work. Conclusion: Abdominal decompression with skin grafting and delayed fascial closure initially decreases patient perception of physical, social, and emotional health, but subsequent abdominal wall reconstruction restores physical and mental health to that of the U.S. general population. Abdominal decompression does not prevent return to gainful employment and should not be considered a permanently disabling condition.

Charles E. Morrow

Papers

Advanced trauma life support, 8th edition, the evidence for change.

Long-term physical, mental, and functional consequences of abdominal decompression.