OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) on hemodynamics of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in porcine model.

METHODSFollowing baseline registrations, SAP was induced in 12 animals. The N(2) pneumoperitoneum was used to increase the intra-abdominal pressure to 30 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) in 6 of 12 SAP animals thereafter and keep constant during the experiment. The investigation period was 12 h. Heart rate, cardiac output (CO), central venous pressure (CVP), mean arterial pressure and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) were continuously measured with the aid of balloon tipped flow-directed catheter and electrocardiography monitor. Oxygen partial pressure of artery (PaO(2)), carbon dioxide partial pressure of artery (PaCO(2)), ScvO(2), base excess (BE), and blood lactic acid (LAC) were measured by acid-base analysis.

RESULTSIn the IAH group, CO decreased significantly at 12 h, CVP and PAWP increased significantly at 3 h, 6 h and 12 h compared with SAP group (all P < 0.05). Peak inspiration pressure increased immediately after pneumoperitoneum in the IAH group, to (50.2 ± 3.1) cmH(2)O (1 cmH(2)O = 0.098 kPa) and (49.8 ± 0.9) cmH(2)O at 6 h and 12 h respectively. The pH, PaO(2), ScvO(2) and BE showed a tendency to fall in the IAH group. PaCO(2) and LAC were increased significantly in the IAH group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere were remarkable and relatively irreversible effects on global hemodynamics in response to sustained IAH of 12 h with the underlying condition of SAP. Abdominal decompression is beneficial for patients of SAP with IAH.