Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 7, 2025

A Novel Non-invasive Method for the Detection of Elevated Intra-compartmental Pressures of the Leg
Published on: May 31, 2019
Intestinal fatty acid binding protein as a predictor for intra-abdominal pressure-related complications in patients
Steven G Strang1, Quirine L M Habes2, Ben Van der Hoven3
1Trauma Research Unit, Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Insights
Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) levels do not reliably predict intra-abdominal hypertension complications in critically ill patients. This study found no significant diagnostic value for I-FABP in identifying patients at risk for abdominal compartment syndrome or organ failure.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Critically ill patients face risks of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), leading to organ failure, abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), and mortality.
- Early identification of IAH-associated complications is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of urinary and serum intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as early biomarkers for predicting IAH-related complications.
- To determine if I-FABP levels can identify patients at risk for developing abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) or new organ failure.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 198 adult patients in mixed medical-surgical ICUs with at least two IAH risk factors.
- Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), urinary I-FABP, and serum I-FABP were measured every six hours for 72 hours.
- Correlation analysis was performed between I-FABP levels, IAP, and the development of ACS or organ failure.
Main Results:
- Fifteen patients (8%) developed ACS, and 74 (37%) developed new organ failure.
- A positive correlation was observed between I-FABP levels and IAP.
- While patients who developed ACS had higher median baseline urinary I-FABP levels, neither urinary nor serum I-FABP significantly predicted the risk of developing new organ failure or ACS.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) demonstrated no significant diagnostic value in identifying individual critically ill patients at risk for IAH-related complications.
- The study could not establish I-FABP as a reliable early marker for predicting abdominal compartment syndrome or organ failure in this patient population.
Purpose:
Critically ill patients are at risk for intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and related complications such as organ failure, abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), and death. This study aimed to determine the value of urinary and serum intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) levels as early marker for IAH-associated complications.
Methods:
A prospective observational study was conducted in two academic institutional mixed medical-surgical ICUs in the Netherlands. Adult patients admitted to the ICU with two or more risk factors for IAH (198) were included. Urinary and serum I-FABP and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) were measured every six hours during 72 h.
Results:
Fifteen (8%) patients developed ACS and 74 (37%) developed new organ failure. I-FABP and IAP were positively correlated. Patients who developed ACS had higher median baseline levels of urinary I-FABP (235(P25-P75 85-1747)μg/g creat) than patients with IAH who did not develop ACS (87(P25-P75 33-246)μg/g, p = 0.037). With an odds ratio of 1.00, neither urinary nor serum I-FABP indicated increased risk for developing new organ failure or ACS.
Conclusions:
A relevant diagnostic value of I-FABP levels for identifying individual patients at risk for intra-abdominal pressure related complications could not be demonstrated.
More Related Videos
06:04Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Published on: July 4, 2018
09:44Functional Assessment of Intestinal Motility and Gut Wall Inflammation in Rodents: Analyses in a Standardized Model of Intestinal Manipulation
Published on: September 11, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation