Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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After a burn, optimal fluid resuscitation is critical for positive patient outcome. Although national guidelines advocate using resuscitation fluids of 4mL per kg body weight and percent body surface area (%BSA) for paediatric burns of >10% BSA, evidence in adults suggest that such volumes lead to over-resuscitation and related complications. Our aim was to investigate whether children managed with biosynthetic dressings (Biobrane™) and reduced fluid volumes remain well hydrated, as determined by clinical and laboratory parameters. ⋯ Based on markers of hydration, children with moderate-sized scalds managed with Biobrane can be safely managed with less fluid.
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Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) taken using calibrated powered dermatomes are assumed to yield a graft of uniform thickness, though this assumption has never been analysed statistically. This study aims to test that assumption in a paediatric population. ⋯ STSG thickness is inconsistent, with a broad spread about a median value. This study provides no data to suggest there are pre-operative predictors of STSG thickness being significantly more or less than that dialled on a powered dermatome.