Research progress and considerations on oral rehydration therapy for the prevention and treatment of severe burn shock: A narrative review

Abstract

Severe burns are a significant cause of life-threatening conditions in both peacetime and wartime. Shock is a critical complication during the early stages of burn injury, contributing substantially to mortality and long-term disability. Effective fluid resuscitation is crucial for preventing and treating shock, with prompt administration being vital. However, timely intravenous fluid resuscitation is often challenging, and errors in resuscitation significantly contribute to mortality. Therefore, exploring a more rapid and effective non-invasive method of fluid resuscitation is necessary. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) has shown considerable potential in this regard. This paper reviews ORT’s historical development and current research progress, discussing its application in early anti-shock treatment for burns. While ORT is generally safe, potential complications like diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort must be noted, particularly if the rehydration rate is too rapid or if gastrointestinal issues exist. Careful patient assessment and monitoring are essential during ORT administration. Based on a comprehensive review of relevant research, we present provisional guidelines for ORT in burn patients. These guidelines aim to inform clinical practice but should be applied cautiously due to limited clinical evidence. Implementation must be tailored to the patient’s condition under healthcare supervision, with adjustments according to evolving circumstances: ① Initiation timing: Start as soon as possible, and the ideal start time is usually within 6 h after injury. ② Rate of application: Employing a fractional administration approach, wherein small quantities of approximately 150–250 millilitres are provided for each instance and the initial fluid rate of oral rehydration can be simplified to 100 mL/kg/24 h. ③ Composition combination: In addition to essential salts and glucose, the oral rehydration solution can incorporate various anti-inflammatory and cellular protection constituents.