Details Descriptions About :: Fat Embolism Syndrome

 Fat embolism syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal problem. The syndrome involves pulmonary, cerebral, and cutaneous manifestations and occurs 24 to 48 hours postinjury. Age Alert Young men with fractures are at an increased risk for developing fat embolism syndrome.

Causes for Fat Embolism Syndrome

Causes Fractures of the pelvis, femur, tibia, or ribs Orthopedic surgery

Pathophysiology Fat Embolism Syndrome

Pathophysiology Bone marrow from a fractured bone or other injured adipose tissue releases fatty globules that enter the systemic circulation through torn veins at the injury site. These fatty globules travel to the lungs, where they form an embolus that blocks pulmonary circulation. Lipase breaks down the trapped fat emboli into free fatty acids. This process causes a local toxic effect that damages the epithelium, increases capillary permeability, and inactivates lung surfactant. The increased capillary permeability allows protein-rich fluid to leak into the interstitial space and alveoli, increasing the workload of the right side of the heart and causing pulmonary edema. The decreased surfactant causes alveolar collapse, a decrease in functional reserve capacity, and ventilation-perfusion mismatch, leading to hypoxemia. Platelet aggregation on fat, normal injury-related platelet consumption, and platelet dilution through I.V. crystalloid administration all contribute to thrombocytopenia, petechiae and, possibly, disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Signs and symptoms Fat Embolism Syndrome

Signs and symptoms Petechiae Increased respiratory rate Dyspnea Accessory muscle use Mental status changes Jaundice Fever

Diagnostic Lab Test results

Diagnostic test results Clinical Tip Gurd’s criteria are used to diagnose fat embolism syndrome. At least one major and three minor criteria are required for diagnosis. Major criteria include: petechiae in a “vest” distribution hypoxia, with a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) less than 60 mm Hg pulmonary edema change in level of consciousness. Minor criteria include: tachycardia, with a heart rate greater than 110 beats/minute pyrexia, with a temperature higher than 103 F (39.4 C) retinal changes fat in urine or sputum unexplained drop in hematocrit or platelet count increasing erythrocyte sedimentation rate jaundice renal changes. Arterial blood gas analysis reveals PaO2 less than 60 mm Hg; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide initially decreases and later increases. Chest X-ray is normal initially but later shows patchy areas of consolidation to complete “white out,” if the condition progresses. Complete blood count shows decreased platelets and decreased hemoglobin levels.

Treatment for Fat Embolism Syndrome

Treatment Supplemental oxygen Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation I.V. fluids such as crystalloids (avoid colloids) Coughing and deep breathing

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