BASE DEFICIT AS AN INDICATOR OF RESUSCITATION NEEDS IN PATIENTS WITH BURN INJURIES

The utility of base deficit (BD) as a marker of shock and as an indica tor of resuscitation requirements has been recognized in the trauma po pulation. Base deficit: in thermally injured patients has not been clo sely examined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulnes s of initial ED related to other resuscitation parameters in thermally injured patients. Burn center records over a 2-year period were revie wed; patients who survived at least 24 hours and had initial arterial blood gases were included. Parkland estimated fluid requirements under estimated actual volume requirements, but Parkland-calculated fluid re quirements were related (p < 0.01) to actual volume requirements. BD h ad a better correlation to actual volume requirements, and a ED of -6 or less correlated with larger burn size (23% +/- 2% vs 47% +/- 9% tot al body surface area), and markedly increased mortality rate (9% vs 72 %, P < 0.001).