Effects of pneumoperitoneum and LPS-induced endotoxemia on cerebral perfusion pressure in pigs

Multitrauma patients commonly develop abdominal compartment syndrome, which is defined as the end result of sustained, uncorrected, intra-abdominal hypertension. We aimed to assess the effects of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) upon intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) in the presence or absence of lipopolysacharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia using an experimental porcine model of pneumoperitoneum. Experimental procedures were approved by the Animal Care Review Committee of the National Veterinary Institute. Sixteen female pigs weighing 20 to 25 kg, aged 3 to 4 months were used. The animal model of increased IAP employed in our studies was produced with intraperitoneal administration of helium at 25 mm Hg under general anesthesia. After induction of pneumoperitoneum, 16 animals were randomly divided into 2 groups of 8 pigs each. One group received LPS intravenously (endotoxin group) and the second group received saline (control group). ICP, CPP, and hemodynamic variables were continuously monitored and recorded. A significant reduction of the cardiac output and concurrent increases in systemic vascular resistance and central venous pressure were observed in both groups after induction of pneumoperitoneum. ICP increased whereas CPP decreased significantly compared with baseline values in both groups after elevation of IAP. After LPS administration (endotoxin group), the cardiac output and mean arterial pressure decreased significantly. The CPP decreased further in the endotoxin group after LPS administration, whereas ICP remained unchanged. IAP increases produce significant increases in the ICP and decreases in the CPP in this animal model. LPS-induced endotoxemia further decreased CPP.