Enter the patient’s age, weight, and the percentage of total body surface area affected by burns into the calculator to determine the fluid requirement according to the Galveston formula.

Galveston Formula

The Galveston formula is used to calculate the fluid requirement for pediatric burn patients during the first 24 hours after a burn. The formula is as follows:

text{Fluid Requirement (ml)} = frac{5000 times text{Weight (kg)} times text{Burn Size}}{text{Age (years)} + text{Weight (kg)}}

Variables:

  • Fluid Requirement is the total fluid requirement in milliliters (ml).
  • Weight is the weight of the patient in kilograms (kg).
  • Burn Size is the percentage of total body surface area affected by burns.
  • Age is the age of the patient in years.

To calculate the fluid requirement, multiply 5000 by the patient’s weight and the burn size percentage, then divide the result by the sum of the patient’s age and weight.

What is the Galveston Formula?

The Galveston formula is a medical calculation used to estimate the fluid needs of pediatric burn patients in the first 24 hours post-burn. This formula takes into account the patient’s age, weight, and the extent of the burn to provide an individualized fluid resuscitation plan. It is a critical component of burn care and helps prevent complications such as hypovolemia and organ failure.

How to Calculate Fluid Requirement Using the Galveston Formula?

The following steps outline how to calculate the fluid requirement using the Galveston formula.

  1. First, determine the patient’s weight in kilograms (kg).
  2. Next, determine the percentage of total body surface area affected by burns.
  3. Then, determine the patient’s age in years.
  4. Use the Galveston formula to calculate the fluid requirement.
  5. Finally, input the variables into the calculator above to verify the result.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Age (years) = 6

Weight (kg) = 20

Burn Size (% of total body surface area) = 30%