Dextran Solutions in the Treatment of Burn Shock

Abstract

In relation to a previous publication on the treatment of burn shock with saline solution, we have treated—from 1964 to 1966–43 patients exclusively with dextran-saline solutions.

The efficacy of this treatment was assessed on the basis of renal function, pulmonary function, blood volume, and mortality.

It is concluded that the dextran therapy is sufficient and easy to administer. The authors point out the remarkable finding that treatment with saline solution without colloids, calculated on the basis of body weight, gives equally good results as treatment with dextran-saline calculated exclusively on the basis of the extent of the burn.