ORAL FLUID THERAPY IN PEDIATRIC BURNS (5-10-PERCENT) - AN APPRAISAL

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.