Abdominal Compartment Syndrome as a Complication of Fluid Resuscitation

Abstract

Fluid resuscitation is a primary concern of nurse clinicians. Excessive resuscitation with crystalloids places patients at particular risk for many subsequent complications that carry associated increases in mortality and morbidity. Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome are deadly complications of third spacing and capillary leak that occur secondary to excessive fluid resuscitation. Careful consideration is necessary when achieving fluid balance in acutely ill patients, including reducing the use of crystalloids, implementing damage control resuscitation, and establishing measurable resuscitation endpoints. Nurse clinicians are capable of reducing mortality in intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome patients by incorporating the latest evidence in fluid resuscitation techniques.

Keywords: Abdominal compartment syndrome; Capillary leak; Colloid; Crystalloid; Damage control resuscitation; Fluid resuscitation; Intra-abdominal hypertension; Third spacing.