Enteral Resuscitation: A Field-Expedient Treatment Strategy for Burn Shock during Wartime and in Other Austere Settings

Abstract

Burn injuries are a constant threat in war. Aspects of the modern battlefield increase the risk of burn injuries and pose challenges for early treatment. The initial resuscitation of a severely burn-injured patient often exceeds the resources available in front-line medical facilities. This stems mostly from the weight and volume of the intravenous fluids required. One promising solution to this problem is enteral resuscitation with an oral rehydration solution. In addition to being logistically easier to manage, enteral resuscitation may be able to mitigate secondary injuries to the gut related to burn shock and systemic immunoinflammatory activation. This has been previously studied in burn patients, primarily using electrolyte solutions, with promising results. Modern ORS containing sodium, potassium, and glucose in ratios that maximize gut absorption may provide additional benefits as a resuscitation strategy, both in terms of plasma volume expansion and protection of the barrier and immune functions of the gut mucosa. While enteral resuscitation is promising and should be used when other options are not available, further research is needed to refine an optimal implementation strategy.