This Parkland formula calculator for burns computes the fluid to be administered first hand and then at 8 and 24h after burns depending on weight and severity. Below the form you can read more on the subject and discover an example calculation.
How does this Parkland formula calculator for burns work?
This is a health calculator that helps you determine how much fluid should be administered in case of burns according to the patient’s weight and total body surface burned.
Fluid requirements are essential to be established properly in such cases and the Parkland formula calculator for burns is the right tool.
The formula states that the fluid requirements (FR) are equal to total body surface burned (%) * weight (kg) * 4 mL.
The Parkland formula
This estimation dates from 1968 when Dr Baxter, working at the Parkland Memorial Hospital, discovered that in order to maintain critically burned patients stable, massive amounts of fluid were required in the first 24h after injury.
After numerous experiments, the worldwide formula resulted and is now part of protocol for burns treatment.
The formula result divided by 2 reveals the fluid recommended in the first 8h while the formula result divided by 8 determines the recommended fluid to be administered on the spot before heading to ER.
Total body surface burned
The burn percentage is estimated according to the Wallace rule of nines on body surface area.
This is a calculation adapted for both adults and children and adds percentages according to the body parts burned in order to deliver a final percentage that is then used in estimating the severity of the burns.
The burn percentage is then employed in the Parkland formula to determine the fluid requirement to be replaced in the first 24h.
The following table defines the Wallace rule of nines:
| Region | Adults | Children |
| head | 9% | 18% |
| front torso | 18% | 18% |
| back torso | 18% | 18% |
| arms | 9% for each | 9% for each |
| legs | 9% for each | 14% for each |
Example calculation
Patient weight - 146 lbs; Percentage of body burned – 18%
■ Amount of fluid to administer in the first 24 hours after burn injury = 4.77 L (4,768 mL or 161.23 US oz).
■ Amount of fluid to administer in the first 8 hours after burn injury 2.38 L (2,384 mL or 80.62 US oz).
■ Amount of fluid to administer before arriving at hospital: 0.60 L (596 mL or 20.15 US oz).
Therefore a person weighing 146 lbs suffering burns on 18% of his or her body surface area would require 18 x 66.2245 kg x 4 = 4,768 mL of fluid replacement within 24 hours.
What it is important to mention is that the first half (2,348 mL) should be given within 8 hour from injury and the rest in the remaining 16 hours.
References
1) Baxter CR. (1974) Fluid volume and electrolyte changes of the early postburn period. Clin Plast Surg; 1(4):693-703.
2) Cartotto RC, Innes M, Musgrave MA, Gomez M, Cooper AB. (2002) How well does the Parkland formula estimate actual fluid resuscitation volumes? J Burn Care Rehabil; 23(4):258-65.
11 Jun, 2015