Intraabdominal hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in patients with COVID-19: an integrative review

ABSTRACT The first cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in China, rapidly evolving with worldwide spread, turning into a pandemic. A percentage of these patients develop the severe form of the disease and progress to respiratory distress syndrome, requiring support in Intensive Care Units. Intra-abdominal Hypertension and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome are characterized by increased intra-abdominal pressure, and are subject to several predisposing factors, such as mechanical ventilation assistance, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, elevated PEEP, intestinal obstructions, excessive fluid replacement, major burns and coagulopathies. Hence, for the management of patients with severe COVID-19, there are numerous risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. Therefore, this study proposes to analyze the variables that directly interfere with the increase in intra-abdominal pressure in patients with COVID-19, as well as the changes in the organic systems caused, through an integrative literature review.