The gastro-renal effects of intra-abdominal hypertension: Implications for critical care nurses

The gastro-renal effects of intra-abdominal hypertension: Implications for critical care nurses

by Sherree Gray, Martin Christensen, Judy Craft  

Intensive and Critical Care Nursing

Intra-abdominal hypertension is classified as either primary or secondary – primary occurs due to intra-abdominal or retro-peritoneal pathophysiology, whereas secondary results in alterations in capillary fluid dynamics due to factors, such as massive fluid resuscitation and generalised inflammation. The renal and gastro-intestinal effects occur early in the progression of intra-abdominal hypertension, and may lead to poor patient outcomes if not identified. As a direct response to intra-abdominal hypertension, renal function is reduced with remarkable impairment from pressures of around 10 mmHg, oliguria developing at 15 mmHg and anuria developing at 30 mmHg.