Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome are increasingly recognized in both medical and surgical critically ill patients and are predictive of death and the development of acute kidney injury. Although there are many risk factors for the development of IAH, in the era of goal-directed therapy for shock, brisk volume resuscitation and volume overload are the most common contributors. Abdominal examination is an unreliable predictor of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), but IAP can be easily measured in a reproducible and reliable manner by a number of simple bedside techniques. Prompt recognition and intervention to decrease IAP and improve vital organ perfusion are essential to minimize the negative effects of IAH on somatic and visceral organ functions.

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