Review of Burn Resuscitation: Is Plasmalyte® a Comparable Alternative to Ringer's Lactate?

Ringer's lactate has been the most widely used fluid for burn resuscitation for decades. Plasmalyte® (PL), a newer balanced crystalloid, is gaining popularity for use in the critically ill, including patients with burns. This popularity is partly due to the fact that PL theoretically offers a favorable metabolic profile, but may also be attributed to its relatively lower cost. Patients who are critically ill with large burns receive enormous volumes of fluids, especially during the resuscitation period. The choice of balanced crystalloid solution used is likely to have an impact on the metabolic status of patients and their overall outcomes. The choice of fluid for burn resuscitation has been one of the most researched topics in burn care and various types of fluids have been superseded based on research findings. This narrative review examines the evidence guiding fluid management in burns and explores the data supporting the use of balanced crystalloid solutions, in particular PL for burn resuscitation. Our literature search revealed only one study that focused on a direct comparison between PL and standard Ringer's Lactate for burn resuscitation. Based on the limited literature on the use of PL in burns, it is difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. Further research, into the suitability of PL for use in burns, is needed before formulary changes are instituted widely.