Cost reduction strategies in burn nutrition services: Adjustments in dietary treatment of patients with hyponatremia and hypophosphatemia

Two clinically effective adjustments in diet therapy were tested at a burn center as strategies to lower clinical care costs. The use of adult enteral formulas for pediatric burn patients reduced the incidence of hyponatremia and the need for costly sodium supplements. The prophylactic administratio n of oral phosphate during the first days of hospitalization may lessen the decline in serum phosphate and save costs for the treatment of hypophospha temia of severely burned patients.