choice of resuscitation fluid

Last reviewed 01/2018

The choice of resuscitation fluid for major burns has remained an area of controversy. The main pathophysiological problem is that there is a period of obligatory vessel permeability and hence oedema.

Other considerations include the:

• replacement of water or salts
• risk of ionic or glucose extremes
• availability of fluid
• risk of allergic reaction
• interference with cross-matching
• cost of fluid

Because it is widely available, lactated Ringer's solution (Hartmann Solution) is recommended by the British Burns Association. It is used mainly in the first 24 hours.

The arguments for and against other fluids are described in the submenu.