Circulation therapy for severe burn injuries

Patients with burn injuries to more than 10% of the body surface area (BSA) are in potential danger of traumatic hypovolemic shock and from 20% BSA a generalized burn edema can occur. In the preclinical setting an increased infusion therapy is generally unnecessary. Clinical circulation therapy is goal-directed taking hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, MAP, diuresis, CVP and central venous sO(2) into consideration. For initial volume replacement, balanced crystalloids with the addition of acetate and possibly malate are infused. Colloids should be given with great caution. Additional gelatine solution is only to be used in patients with impending hypotension and catecholamines should also be avoided if possible. If necessary, dobutamine is used to increase cardiac inotropy and cardiac output. Norepinephrine is only indicated in patients with significantly reduced SVR. Extended hemodynamic monitoring is necessary in all patients with prolonged catecholamine therapy.