Intra-abdominal hypertension as a trigger of "gut failure" in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Effect of open abdomen (OA) and negative pressure therapy (NPT) on respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) function.

COVID-19 gastrointestinal manifestations could be attributed to SARS-CoV-2-induced small vessel thrombosis. OA with NPT treatment may have a role in optimization of bowel microcirculation and in the reduction of the endothelial and the systemic cytokine-related damage, improving also respiratory function.