Resumo

LAET, I.E. de  e  MALBRAIN, M.. Current insights in intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. Med. Intensiva [online]. 2007, vol.31, n.2, pp.88-99. ISSN 0210-5691.

A compartment syndrome exists when increased pressure in a closed anatomic space threatens the viability of the tissue within the compartment. When this occurs in the abdominal cavity it threatens not only the function of the intra-abdominal organs, but it can have a devastating effect on distant organs as well. Recent animal and human data suggest that the adverse effects of elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) can occur at lower levels than previously thought and even before the development of clinically overt abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). The ACS is not a disease but truly a syndrome, a spectrum of symptoms and signs that can and mostly does have multiple causes. It is only recently that this condition received a heightened awareness. This article reflects the current state of knowledge on intra-abdominal pressure regarding etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, IAP measurement, organ dysfunction, prevention and treatment.

Palavras-chave : síndrome compartimental abdominal; presión intra-abdominal; hipertensión intra-abdominal; laparotomía descompresiva; monitorización.