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.

Journal of Critical Care
|September 27, 2020
PubMed

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.
Abstract

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