General Information
• The presence of fat embolism in the circulation after long bone fractures or major trauma is called fat embolism, and its clinical manifestations are called fat embolism syndrome. It can occur in three clinical forms:
1- Subclinical
Only the Pa02 value is below 60 mmHg.
2- Clinic
It is the typical form and occurs 24-72 hours after trauma.
Major findings
ï€ Respiratory failure (Pa02<60, PC02>55 mmHg)
ï€ Cerebral involvement
ï€ Petechial hemorrhages
ï€ Retinal findings
Minor findings
Fever (39-40 °C)
ï€ Tachycardia
ï€ Liver failure
oliguria, anuria
ï€ Anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis
ECG findings
Diagnosis
Fat globulins + 1 major + 4 minor findings.
3- Fulminant
It occurs hours after the trauma, its clinic is very painful.
The most important criterion in fat embolism syndrome is that PaO/ is below 60 mmHg.
Treatment is supportive therapy. Given adequate treatment, it is usually self-limiting and resolves in 1-2 weeks.
The most important measure to prevent its occurrence is to immobilize the fracture as soon as possible.