Objective
To determine whether restrictive fluid resuscitation results in increased rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) or infectious complications.
Summary Background Data
Studies demonstrate that patients often receive volumes in excess of those predicted by the Parkland equation, with potentially detrimental sequelae. However, the consequences of under-resuscitation are not well-studied.
Methods
Data were collected from a multicenter prospective cohort study. Adults with greater than 20% total burned surface area injury were divided into three groups based on the pattern of resuscitation in the first 24 hours: volumes less than (restrictive), equal to, or greater than (excessive) standard resuscitation (4-6cc/kg/%TBSA). Multivariable regression analysis was employed to determine the effect of fluid group on AKI, burn wound infections (BWI), and pneumonia.
Results
Among 330 patients, 33% received restrictive volumes, 39% received standard resuscitation volumes, and 28% received excessive volumes. The standard and excessive groups had higher mean baseline APACHE scores (24.2 vs 16, p<0.05 and 22.3 vs 16, p<0.05) than the restrictive group, but were similar in other characteristics. After adjustment for confounders, restrictive resuscitation was associated with greater probability of AKI (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.18, 8.94). No difference in the probability of BWI or pneumonia among groups was found (BWI: restrictive vs standard OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.39,1.40, excessive vs standard OR 1.40, 95%CI 0.75,2.60, pneumonia: restrictive vs standard, OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.26, 1.05; excessive vs standard, OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.58, 2.14).
Conclusions
Restrictive resuscitation is associated with increased AKI, without changes in infectious complications.