Abdominal compartment syndrome, not a rare phenomenon in patients with major burn injury

Severe burns patients are in danger of intra-abdominal hypertension and its sequelae including organ failure, abdominal compartment syndrome and death. This study aimed to find the frequency and occurrence of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in patients with major burn injuries characteristics.

All patients brought to the Burn Care Center whose burn size exceeded 20% total body surface area were included in the study. Intra-abdominal pressure monitoring was done at the intensive care unit via an intra-vesical pressure monitoring system. Resuscitation was done using the modified Brookes formula.

One hundred thirty two patients were included in this study. Intra-abdominal hypertension was noted in 52% of patients and abdominal compartment syndrome in 29%. Intra-abdominal hypertension was noted in 95.7% of patients who received more than 7000 ml of resuscitation fluids. Abdominal compartment syndrome was noted in 94.8% of patients who received more than 9500 ml of resuscitation fluids. Mortality of patients with intra-abdominal hypertension was 63.8% and with abdominal compartment syndrome 100%.

In the current study, patients with circumferential abdominal burns with total body surface area more than 40% frequently develop intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome, and patient mortality is significant. Burn patients must be constantly monitored for intra-abdominal hypertension, and measurements of intra-abdominal hypertension should be taken in all severe burns to prevent fatal complications.

Level V, Risk/Prognostic