Measurement of Intra-abdominal Pressure in Critically-ill Children.

INTRODUCTION: It is being increasingly recognized that intra-abdominal 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.