AbstractIntroductionThe foundation for burn fluid resuscitation is well established, however an opportunity exists to improve outcomes for patients requiring such intervention. Resuscitation is influenced by a variety of factors, including associated complications. The purpose of this study was to establish a baseline at our center using historical performance and outcomes to drive quality improvement initiatives.MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review of patients admitted over a five-year period requiring resuscitation. Due to factors, such as early enactment of comfort care, patients who expired < 48 hours of injury were excluded.ResultsCharts were reviewed for 346 patients with a total body surface area (TBSA)>20%, 297 were adults. Of these, 32 died < 48-hours post-injury and 127 did not undergo fluid resuscitation or complete records were not available. Thus 138 were evaluable. Averages at admission were age 44.9, weight 86.4 kg and TBSA 39%. Most patients were male (71%). Mechanism was predominantly flame (86%), followed by 7% scald, 3% contact, 2% electrical, and 1% chemical. Concomitant inhalation injury was diagnosed for 34%. Average hourly fluid resuscitation volume was 6.5mL/kg/TBSA with a duration of 31.8 hours. Total volume exceeded Parkland formula calculations for 80%. Continuous albumin was administered for 97%, initiated on average at 8 hours post-injury. Boluses of lactated ringer’s and albumin were administered for 43% and 36% of patients, respectively. Urine output averaged 91 mL/hr and we identified a mean low optimal urine output of 43.2 mL/hr and mean high optimal output of 69.1 mL/hr.Associated complications during fluid resuscitation included temperature < 36◦C (58%), vasopressor administration (12%), intra-abdominal pressure>12 (59%) and/or >19 (14%), and peripheral vascular pulses<+1 (70%). Escharotomy was performed for 42%; 32% preventative, 2% required subsequent fasciotomy. Laparotomy/open abdomen was performed for 7.9%. Diagnosed complications were low for compartment syndrome (9.5%), abdominal compartment syndrome (6.5%), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (1.4%). Continuous renal replacement therapy was initiated for 11.5% of patients < 48 hours post-burn and for 22.4% >48 hours; 25% requiring CRRT had a dialysis or renal history. The overall survival rate for this population was 76.1%. Patients were discharged most often to rehab (37%), home (19%), or skilled nursing facility (12%).ConclusionsA baseline for resuscitation in our center revealed a rate double historically accepted rates. Despite nonconformity with tradition, complications remain low. Outcomes have been favorable, yet opportunity for improvement endures.Applicability of Research to PracticeFurther research is needed to evaluate the predictive value of assessment measures to forecast associated complications.