Burn Resuscitation

Resuscitation of adult patients with burn size greater than 20% total body surface area (TBSA) and pediatric patients with burn size greater than 15% TBSA is essential for early survival due to the fluid shifts that occur after injury. After the primary and secondary survey, burn resuscitation is different from resuscitation from other types of shock because it is based on continuous fluid administration. Judicious use of fluids reduces fluid creep and complications of over-resuscitation. Accurate estimation of TBSA will improve the use of crystalloids. Furthermore, inhalation injury, chemical injury, electrical injury, and preexisting comorbidities can complicate resuscitation of these patients. Although crystalloids are the mainstay of therapy, adjuncts to resuscitation such as colloids, plasma exchange, and high-dose vitamin C have been considered to reduce complications of over-resuscitation or support patients who are refractory to typical resuscitation strategies in the initial period post injury. Wound care should never precede the primary and secondary survey and most often can wait until definitive care at a burn center. This review contains 5 figures, 6 tables and 54 references Key Words: burn, colloid, crystalloid, failing resuscitation, rescue therapy, resuscitation