| Abstract: Purpose: Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements can be utilised for the early detection and management of abdominal compartment syndrome. Based on earlier experiments, IAP values are widely thought to be atmospheric or sub-atmospheric. Urinary bladder pressure (UBP) measurements accurately reflect IAP. There are no reports which describe normal IAP values using this technique in a purely non-surgical population.
Methods: 42 male and 18 female patients with existing indwelling catheters had their IAP measured at supine, 30°and 45° elevation, using UBP measurements.
Results: No measurements recorded were atmospheric nor sub-atmospheric. Mean values were: at supine, 9.5 cmH20 (range : 1 cmH20 to 18 cmH20), at 30° elevation 11.5 cmH20 (range : 3 cmH20 to 19 cmH20) and at 45° elevation, 14 cmH20 (range : 4 cmH20 to 22 cmH20).
Comparisons of IAP measurements were made between (i) males and females and (ii) patients with and without benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The IAP measured in males was significantly higher than that in females in the supine (p = 0.04) and 30 degree positions (p = 0.038). There was no significant difference in IAP found in the group of patients suspected of having BPH compared with those males admitted for other reasons (p = 0.083).
Comparison of IAP at different elevations were made. As the patient’s elevation was increased, their IAP rose in a significant manner.
Conclusions: Normal IAP using UBP in awake non-surgical patients appears to be above atmospheric pressure. Gender and patient position can influence measurements.
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