Effect of the Intra-abdominal Pressure on the Risk of Delirium in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: Considerations for Critical Care Nursing Practice.

BACKGROUND

Delirium and intra-abdominal hypertension are dangerous and prevalent consequences seen in patients in the intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES

This nonrandomized, observational, prospective study was carried out to assess the role of intra-abdominal hypertension in the occurrence of delirium in mechanically ventilated patients.

METHODS

This study included 64 patients admitted to 2 intensive care units of our organization served as the study's sites of observation. All patients were assessed for delirium symptoms on the third day of mechanical ventilation by the NEECHAM confusion scale. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured in those patients and the possibility of a relationship between intra-abdominal hypertension and delirium in patients on mechanical ventilation was then assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 64 patients, 84.4% experienced intra-abdominal hypertension, and 75.9% experienced delirium. Delirium worsened clinical outcomes in these patients, leading to longer ventilatory support duration (P=0.001) and longer intensive care unit stay (P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-abdominal hypertension is a common complication in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit and is significantly associated with higher risk of delirium than similar patients with normal intra-abdominal pressure.