Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders in the Thermally Injured

Abstract

Thermal burns present challenging problems of fluid and electrolyte management. Initially, large volumes of isotonic solutions are required to treat and/or prevent burn shock. Postresuscitation management of intravascular and extravascular fluid volumes, increased water requirements, and the management of minor ions (calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphates, etc.) require a workable understanding of the basic pathophysiology of the burn injury, the complex interaction with treatment regimens, and the differences interposed by age and concomitant disease. Approximately one third of all burn injuries (or one million patients per year) require knowledge of one or more facets of the fluid and electrolyte physiology.