Sodium balance and osmolarity in burn patients.

In 12 severely burned patients the input of fluid and sodium, as well as sodium concentration in plasma and urine, was studied. The osmolarity in plasma and 24-h urine was measured. The high initial sodium input is noted. Plasma sodium levels stay within the normal range when the amount of sodium given during the further treatment is reduced. The importance of urea production in affecting plasma osmolarity is demonstrated.