Fluid therapy by the oral route is the accepted method of treatment fo
r smaller burns in children (less than 10%). [Settle JAD. Burns - the
first five days. Essex: Smith and Nephew Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 1986.] A
phone survey was carried out of all the hospitals in the United Kingd
om that manage burns, to record their oral fluid therapy practices for
burns (5-10% BSA) in paediatric patients. Included in the survey was
an assessment of the uniformity of the contents of the fluids, their p
alatability and acceptance by patients and any side-effects from this
form of treatment. There appears to be no uniformity in policies regar
ding fluid therapy in children with this percentage of burns. Treatmen
t ranged from a formula guided resuscitation therapy (as practised gen
erally with large burns) to a 'drink as you like' policy. Fluids used
varied from electrolyte to non-electrolyte containing solutions and fr
uit juices and were, therefore, markedly different in content. The ele
ctrolyte solutions were reported as being non-palatable unless flavour
ed with fruit juices. No complication was reported although one unit q
ueried a possible case of fluid overload. Potential complications from
this mode of therapy are discussed. The cost implications of using va
rious fluid types are also presented. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd fo
r ISBI. All rights reserved.