Extensive burns in children; treatment of the early phase.

The water, electrolyte and colloid losses and shifts which occur after a severe burning are complex, and variable from patient to patient. No available clinical method allows for accurate prediction of the volume and composition of the fluid losses. The method here described assumes that parenteral therapy which produces a normal urinary output and maintains the child free of signs and symptoms of shock is good therapy and at least approximates his needs. On the whole this assumption has been verified by clinical experience. Once again it is necessary to stress the importance of treatment that anticipates needs rather than treatment which comes after unmet needs are obvious. Methods used to assess and treat burned adults need modification before application to infants and children.