Given these findings we felt the need to refine formula based resuscitation strategies.
Reviewing a subset of 81 burn admissions we screened for predictive parameters in addition to total body surface area burned (TBSA burned) and body weight influencing resuscitation volume requirements.
Using multivariate linear regression analysis (MRA) various parameters were integrated in a stepwise forward mathematical selection procedure resulting in a modified resuscitation formula.
A new formula including body weight, TBSA burned, inhalation injury (IHI), high blood alcohol level (BAL) and a compensating factor for advanced age was set up. The new formula was compared to the original Parkland formula. Both were assessed for predictive reliability (PR±20 % ). Using this strategy we were able to improve PR±20 % from 28.4 % to 51.9 % .
Optimal fluid resuscitation of severe burn victims is a complex clinical challenge. Rigid-formula based resuscitation schemes often fail to match all subtleties of current clinical practice but need to provide a reliable starting point for fluid resuscitation. We demonstrate a new multifactorial formula resulting in a better guide to initial fluid resuscitation.