Embolism | Fat embolism
embolism | Fat embolism. ‘fat embolism‘ mentioned in the season finale of the popular TV series House. But, what is Fat embolism? According to Wikipedia, A fat embolism is a type of embolism that is often (but not always) caused by physical trauma.
Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) is distinct from the presence of fat emboli. Symptoms usually occur 1-3 days after the insult, and are predominantly: pulmonary (shortness of breath, hypoxemia), neurological (agitation, delirium, or coma), dermatological (petechial rash), and haematological (anaemia, low platelets). The syndrome manifests more frequently in closed fractures of the pelvis or long bones. The petechial rash, which usually resolves in 5-7 days is said to be pathognomonic of the syndrome; however, it only occurs in 20-50% of cases.
The risk of fat embolism syndrome is thought to be reduced by early immobilization of fractures, especially by early operative correction. There is also some evidence that steroid prophylaxis of high risk patients reduces the incidence. The mortality rate of fat embolism syndrome is approximately 5-15%.
Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) is distinct from the presence of fat emboli. Symptoms usually occur 1-3 days after the insult, and are predominantly: pulmonary (shortness of breath, hypoxemia), neurological (agitation, delirium, or coma), dermatological (petechial rash), and haematological (anaemia, low platelets). The syndrome manifests more frequently in closed fractures of the pelvis or long bones. The petechial rash, which usually resolves in 5-7 days is said to be pathognomonic of the syndrome; however, it only occurs in 20-50% of cases.
The risk of fat embolism syndrome is thought to be reduced by early immobilization of fractures, especially by early operative correction. There is also some evidence that steroid prophylaxis of high risk patients reduces the incidence. The mortality rate of fat embolism syndrome is approximately 5-15%.
Comments
Post a Comment