Measurement of Intra-abdominal Pressure in Critically-ill Children

• Main Authors: Jyoti Singhal, Preeti Shanbag
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2014-12-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: intra-abdominal pressure; intra-abdominal hypertension
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/5345/10435_CE(Ra)_F(Sh)_PF1(PAK)_PFA(AK)_PF2(PAG).pdf

Introduction: It is being increasingly recognized that intraabdominal hypertension is an important cause of organ dysfunction. This pilot study was done to determine the feasibility of measuring intra-abdominal pressures (IAP) in critically-ill children using simple inexpensive equipment available in the PICU. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study done in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary care general hospital. Thirty-two consecutive patients admitted to the PICU, staying for more than 24 h and requiring a urinary catheter were studied. IAP was measured by the intravesical method, using a disposable manometer, twice a day for seven days or till discharge/death, Risk factors associated with IAH were recorded. Results: The majority of the patients had an IAP less than 5 mm Hg. Three patients had grade 1 intra-abdominal hypertension (IAP>12 mm Hg). Conclusion: It is feasible to measure IAP in paediatric patients without the use of sophisticated equipment.