Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Burn Patients

IAH occurs commonly in major burn patients, and ACS is seen regularly in patients with more than 70% body surface area burns. We recommend bladder pressure measurements after infusion of more than 0.25 L/kg during the acute resuscitation phase and for peak inspiratory pressures greater than 40 cm H2O. Whereas ACS warrants surgical decompression of the abdominal cavity, IAH usually responds to conservative therapy.