Burn Resuscitation with Fresh Frozen Plasma: 5 Years of Experience with the West Penn Formula

Introduction: Administering fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for burn resuscitation following the West Penn Formula was first described by Du, et al. in 1991 and subsequently by O'Mara et al. in 2005. Since 2006, the O'Mara modification has been followed for the resuscitation of large burns (>40% TBSA or30% TBSA with concomitant inhalation injury) at our institution. This is a report of our initial 5 years' experience with a comparison of our outcomes to those reported by Du and O'Mara. Methods: A retrospective charter view of burn admissions between February 1, 2005 and August 31, 2011, revealed 62 patients suffered large burns and received fluid resuscitation following the West Penn Formula. Results: Average TBSA was 52±18.9% (average full thickness 28.1±27.6%). Thirty-six (58%) suffered inhalation injury. Average FFP infusion was of 3.2±2.4 liters/24hrs. Urine output averaged 1.1±0.7cc/kg/hr. Average base deficit at 24 hours was1.6±6.1. Ten deaths occurred during the first 48 hours post burn all due to requests of family members to withdraw support. Conclusions: The West Penn Formula appears to be an effective method to resuscitate patients suffering burn shock secondary to major burns.