Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is consistently reported to have significant morbidity and mortality. Major burn patients who receive massive fluid resuscitation are at high-risk for this condition. Close monitoring of ACS is necessary for these patients. Prolonged unrelieved intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) at greater than 20 mmHg can produce significant morbidity and mortality. The most widely accepted and feasible way to measure IAP is via the draining port of a standard urinary catheter. Siriraj burn unit developed its own device from simple equipment that can be found easily in the hospital. It proved to be useful, cheap, and effective in monitoring intra-abdominal pressure. The present study described techniques of using this device for monitoring and early detection of ACS. Five major burn patients ≥40% Total body surface area (TBSA) was measured by IAP measurement via foley catheter using the Siriraj device catheter compared to direct measurement via peritoneal catheter. There was no difference of IAP between the two methods (p = 0.48). This suggested that Siriraj device catheter was useful, not invasive, and effective in reflection of actually IAP. Siriraj burn unit suggested IAP measurement in all major burns ≥40% TBSA to early recognize and treat intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) that can lead to ACS. Early detection of this syndrome might decrease the adverse effects after increasing abdominal pressure that can cause organ dysfunction.

Keywords: Abdominal compartment syndrome, Burn, Siriraj device catheter