What systemic effect can IAH have on patients?

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) can significantly impact various physiological systems, leading to several systemic effects. One of the key consequences of IAH is increased intracranial pressure, which occurs due to the close relationship between the abdomen and the cranial cavity. The pressure in the abdomen can affect venous return from the brain, leading to decreased cranial venous outflow and thus raising intracranial pressure.

Additionally, IAH often results in hemodynamic instability. As intra-abdominal pressure rises, it can compromise abdominal organ perfusion, reducing venous return to the heart and leading to decreased cardiac output. This instability may manifest as hypotension or varying blood pressures, potentially putting patients at risk for shock or organ dysfunction.

While hypoxemia can occur as a secondary effect of the systemic changes caused by IAH, it is not a direct systemic effect of increased intra-abdominal pressure. Therefore, the systemic effects primarily relate to increased intracranial pressure and hemodynamic instability, making the conclusion that all except hypoxemia represent the accurate understanding of the systemic effects of IAH on patients.