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Welcome to Intra-Abdominal-Hypertension.org. Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are the pathologic manifestation of elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in critically ill patients. Many critical care providers consider this syndrome a traumatic disease entity despite literature and physiologic information demonstrating that intra-abdominal hypertension (which includes the final end stage disease process – the abdominal compartment syndrome) is a critical care disease existing just as often in medical ICU’s as in trauma units. In addition, many critical care nurses and physicians are unaware that medical treatment options are available early in the disease process that may prevent progression to the abdominal compartment syndrome.This web site provides up to date information regarding the understanding of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) including insights into pathophysiology, prevalence and medical treatment options. In addition, nurse and physician monitoring and treatment algorithms and a power point teaching slide shows are available for free download.
For a streaming video and overview of the entire topic in 55 minutes you might want to watch this educational presentation:
FREE CME Lecture - 1 hour: Intra-abdominal hypertension - the ARDS of the gut. By Dr. Tim Wolfe
FREE Pathophysiology and treatment algorithms Teaching posters: Click here to obtain information on how to obtain this poster (seen below) to put in your ICU
(click on the posters to see them in higher resolution)
We hope you enjoy the content and welcome contributions to the site.