Burn resuscitation on the African continent

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Global Health

Background:

• Burn resuscitation protocols vary globally.
• Previous surveys by the International Society of Burn Injuries (ISBI) and American Burn Association (ABA) excluded Africa.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding African burn resuscitation practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate a survey on burn resuscitation protocols in Africa.
• To assess current practices, fluid choices, and monitoring methods used by African burn surgeons.
• To identify potential differences and challenges in burn care across the continent.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to burn care providers in Africa.
• One hundred and eight responses were collected and analyzed.
• Data on fluid resuscitation initiation, formulas, fluids, monitoring, and enteral resuscitation use were gathered.

Main Results:

• Fluid resuscitation typically began for burns exceeding 10-15% total body surface area.
• The Parkland formula and Ringer's Lactate were the preferred resuscitation methods.
• Urine output was the primary indicator for adequate resuscitation; enteral resuscitation was utilized by 26% of respondents.

Conclusions:

• African burn surgeons commonly use the Parkland formula and Ringer's Lactate.
• Challenges with colloid availability may encourage greater use of enteral resuscitation.
• Further research is needed to optimize burn resuscitation in diverse African healthcare settings.