Abstract
The accuracy of burn size estimation and subsequent fluid administration by referring hospitals prior to arrival at the Yorkshire Regional Burns Unit over a three-year period was assessed retrospectively. Burns around 20% body surface area were most accurately assessed, with smaller burns being overestimated and larger burns underestimated. Inaccuracies in fluid resuscitation result in, on average, patients receiving twice the appropriate volume of fluid for the burn size. The possible causes, implications and solutions to these problems are discussed.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Age Factors
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Albumins / therapeutic use
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Body Surface Area*
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Body Weight
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Burn Units
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Burns / classification
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Burns / pathology*
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Burns / therapy
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Colloids / therapeutic use
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Crystalloid Solutions
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Emergency Medical Services
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Fluid Therapy*
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Humans
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Infant
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Isotonic Solutions
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Middle Aged
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Plasma Substitutes / therapeutic use
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Rehydration Solutions / therapeutic use
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Resuscitation*
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Retrospective Studies
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Time Factors
Substances
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Albumins
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Colloids
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Crystalloid Solutions
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Isotonic Solutions
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Plasma Substitutes
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Rehydration Solutions