Do patients with electrical injuries require high volume fluid resuscitation?

Patients with electrical injuries often require high-volume fluid resuscitation due to the significant physiological effects these injuries can induce. Electrical injuries can lead to severe tissue damage, muscle injury, and rhabdomyolysis, which can increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). High-volume fluid resuscitation helps to maintain urine output and prevent kidney damage by diluting nephrotoxins released from damaged muscles.

In addition, electrical injuries can cause extensive internal damage that might not be immediately visible externally. Fluid resuscitation is crucial in the management protocol for these patients to ensure that organ perfusion is maintained and to manage the complications associated with the injury. Proper hydration aids in flushing out myoglobin and other harmful substances from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of complications later on.

Thus, the requirement for high-volume fluid resuscitation in patients with electrical injuries aligns with the need to address the potential for complications and support overall patient stability during recovery.