Clinical practice and evaluation of relative fluid resuscitation formula at burn shock stage

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of the Third Military Medical University (TMMU) formula for fluid resuscitation on the major burn patients during shock stage. METHODS: Seventy-one thermal injury patients (burn area more than 30% TBSA, without especial illness, hospitalization within 8 hour after burn) admitted from 2005 to 2007 were divided into adult group (n = 46), child group (n = 25). Fluid resuscitation was initiated as per the TMMU formula. RESULTS: All patients survived the first 48 hours post burn injury and none developed recognized complications associated with fluid resuscitation. The average infused fluid was 16% approximately 38% more than the calculated in both adult and child groups. The average urine output during the first 24 hours post burn injury was 1.1 approximately 1.2 mL x kg(-1) x h(-1) in the two groups, but reached 1.2 mL and 1.7 mL x kg(-1) x h(-1) during the second 24 hours in adult and child groups respectively. CONCLUSION: TMMU formula for fluid resuscitation is a feasible option for major burn patients. Individual fluid resuscitation, guided by the physiological response, is also important and necessary.