Awareness, knowledge and practices related to intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome among intensive care providers: a systematic scoping review.

Abstract

Objectives: To provide a comprehensive overview of current research on intensive care providers' awareness, knowledge, and practices regarding IAP/IAH/ACS, as well as barriers to IAP measurement.

Methods: This scoping review was guided by the framework of Arksey and Malley. Eight databases were searched to identify research published after 2007, including MEDLINE Complete, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Complete, ProQuest Health & Medical Complete, CNKI, and WANFANG. Two researchers reviewed and screened potentially relevant studies based on title and abstract. Full-text articles were independently assessed for eligibility based on predefined inclusion criteria.

Results: Nineteen articles were included. Overall, pediatric intensive care providers demonstrated a lower awareness and knowledge of IAH/ACS compared to adult intensive care providers, particularly regarding the consensus definitions of IAH/ACS in critically ill children. IAP measurement has not been adequately integrated into clinical practice, with 18.0-73.0% of intensive care providers reporting they have never measured it. The frequency of IAP measurements and the criteria for determining which patients necessitate such measurements exhibited significant variability across different hospitals. The most frequently mentioned barriers to IAP measurement include a lack of knowledge regarding IAP measurement among adult intensivists, an overreliance on physical examination among pediatric intensivists, uncertainty in interpreting IAP data among adult intensive care nurses, and challenges in identifying populations at high risk of IAH among pediatric intensive care nurses. Diuretics were mentioned most often in the management of IAH/ACS, followed by administration of vasopressors and inotropes, decompressive laparotomy, and judicious administration of fluids and blood products. 37.0-66.3% of adult intensivists would choose a decompressive laparotomy in cases of ACS, whereas pediatric intensivists were less inclined to opt for the same approach.

Conclusions: Since the publication of the WSACS consensus in 2007, there has been an improvement in awareness and knowledge regarding IAP/IAH/ACS among intensive care providers. Nevertheless, the understanding of the consensus definitions regarding IAH/ACS remains inadequate, particularly among pediatric intensive care providers. It is imperative to advocate for the implementation of WSACS guidelines in hospitals through targeted training programs and to promote the routine practice of IAP measurement in clinical settings.