The treatment of burns in children

Abstract

Part 1. The Exposure Method of Treatment of Burns:The exposure method for the treatment of burns and scalds is described briefly and the results, in a series of patients, are contrasted with those in a series treated by pressure dressings. The findings suggest that by the exposure method, the necessity for skin grafting can be reduced, infection limited and the healing time significantly diminished.A study has been made of the surface bacteriology exposed burns and the conclusion is drawn that the culture of organisms from the surface does not indicate clinical infection.A bed designed to facilitate the nursing of patients with extensive burns has been described.The suggestion is made that by treating extensive deep burns by exposure protein loss is diminished and the nutrition and general progress of the patient are thereby improved.Part II. Fluid Replacement in Burned Children:A. method has been described for estimating fluid requirement in burned children. it is based on consideration of the extent of the surface area involved, the depth of injury, the normal blood volume of the patient and the normal metabolic requirement for the age and weight.The progress of 14 patients treated by this method has been recorded. In the series, there were two deaths, neither of which could be ascribed to oligaemic shock.