1 . Observation Study of the Role of Excessive Intra-Abdominal Pressure in Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Background
In about 15-20% of all cases, pancreatitis is severe, in some cases life threatening accompanied by one or more organ system failures. Fatality rate in this later category still lies at about 40%. Treatment of such patients demands a high degree of experience and interdisciplinary coordination of specialists from various fields.
Why is this study of interest?
The intensive medical treatment of severe acute pancreatitis is complex with many questions remaining unresolved. One of these is the significance of the role of excessive development of intra-abdominal pressure due to the massive and systematic inflammatory reaction triggered off by the acute pancreatitis. Abdominal pressure can increase to such a degree that the blood pressure is no longer efficient enough to ensure sufficient microcirculation of the tissue. If tissue is undersupplied with blood, this again, furthers the tendency of swelling creating a vicious circle resulting in deterioration of the patient’s condition due to increased organ failure.
Who is conducting this study?
It is an international multicentric study. The Pancreas Center Berne, represented by common participation of the Clinic for Intensive Care and the Clinic for Visceral and Transplant Surgery, is the only participating center in Switzerland.
Study Model
It is a so-called prospective observation study.
Treatment is done in accordance with current treatment norms. In the study, exact documentation of intra-abdominal pressure is made. The courses of all parameters are then evaluated in terms of development of abdominal pressure. |
