Which shock is termed as distributed shock caused by burns?

The term "distributive shock" refers to a condition in which there is an improper distribution of blood flow in the smallest blood vessels, leading to inadequate perfusion of tissues. In the case of burns, the body's response to injury involves extensive capillary permeability and vasodilation, which can result in significant fluid shifts and loss of blood volume relative to the size of the circulatory system.

In cases of burn injury, the inflammatory response not only assists in healing but can also cause widespread vasodilation and increased capillary permeability, leading to fluid loss from the vascular space. This can critically reduce the effective circulating volume, resulting in shock despite potentially normal or increased total blood volume. This makes it a form of distributive shock, characterized by an altered distribution of blood flow rather than a direct loss of blood volume from bleeding, as seen in hypovolemic shock.

Understanding the mechanisms of burn-related shock as distributive highlights the importance of recognizing both the physiological changes and the resulting clinical implications for treatment and management in a pre-hospital setting.