Prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension in critically ill patients: a multicentre epidemiological study.

Objective: Although intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) can cause dysfunction of several organs and raise mortality, little information is available on the incidence and risk factors for IAH in critically ill patients. This study assessed the prevalence of IAH and its risk factors in a mixed population of intensive care patients.

Design: A multicentre, prospective 1-day point-prevalence epidemiological study conducted in 13 ICUs of six countries.