Fluid resuscitation in adults with severe burns at risk of secondary abdominal compartment syndrome--an evidence based systematic review.

Background: Secondary abdominal compartment syndrome (sACS) in adults with severe burns is commonly unsuspected, can be rapidly fatal and seriously compromises the reliability of urine output as an indicator of perfusion and resuscitation status. Current literature lacks an exhaustive, evidence-based review critically appraising all retrieved literature on which clinical decisions may be based.

Methods: The evidence on three inter-related concepts was evaluated: fluid-volume management and its contribution to sACS; the role of urinary bladder pressure monitoring; and awareness of the burns community to sACS.