A burn formula in clinical practice

In a retrospective review of the 10-year period 1969-78 the intravenous plasma loads given to patients admitted to one burn centre were studied and compared with the volumes predicted by the formula used at that centre. Of 1728 patients admitted 342 (19.8%) received intravenous resuscitation with plasma. The formula appeared to be a good empirical guide to transfusion needs in the 36 h after burning. Patients with burns in excess of 45% body surface area (BSA), and particularly children, were likely to require more fluid than that indicated by the formula estimate. However, as burns in excess of 50% BSA are uncommon (50/1728 admissions) it seems reasonable to use a formula which is a guide to the probable needs of most patients while accepting the clinical response as the best means of assessing the actual fluid need of each patient, especially those with extensive injury.