The use of the Mount Vernon formula in the treatment of burn shock

Loss of fluid from the blood plasma and subsequent hypovolaemia is the central feature of shock in burning injuries and restoration of blood volume by intravenous transfusion remains the mainstay of treatment. The rate of loss of fluid bears a relationship to the extent of the burn and by use of a formula it is possible to predict the rate of loss at a particular time and the total quantity of fluid necessary. Various different formulae are discussed and the development of a formula in the Burns Ward of the Mount Vernon Centre for Plastic Surgery is described. It is emphasised that the formula is only a guide and the necessity for repeated clinical examination of the patient is stressed. Our reasons are given for the use of reconstituted dried human plasma as the main transfusion fluid.