| Fat embolism syndrome. | |
| | |
MedLine Citation:
|
PMID: 9336522 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
|
Fat embolism syndrome, an important contributor to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, has been associated with both traumatic and nontraumatic disorders. Fat embolization after long bone trauma is probably common as a subclinical event. Fat emboli can deform and pass through the lungs, resulting in systemic embolization, most commonly to the brain and kidneys. The diagnosis of fat embolism syndrome is based on the patient's history, supported by clinical-signs of pulmonary, cerebral and cutaneous dysfunction and confirmed by the demonstration of arterial hypoxemia in the absence of other disorders. Treatment of fat embolism syndrome consists of general supportive measures, including splinting, maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance and the administration of oxygen. Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilatory assistance can be indicated. The role of corticosteroids remains controversial. Early stabilization of long bone fractures has been shown to decrease the incidence of pulmonary complications. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that the exact method of fracture fixation plays a minor role in the development of pulmonary dysfunction. As more is learned about the specifics of the various triggers for the development of fat embolism syndrome, it is hoped that the prospect of more specific therapy for the prevention and treatment of this disorder will become a reality. |
| | |
Authors:
|
R R Richards |
Publication Detail:
|
Type: Journal Article; Review |
Journal Detail:
|
Title: Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgie Volume: 40 ISSN: 0008-428X ISO Abbreviation: Can J Surg Publication Date: 1997 Oct |
Date Detail:
|
Created Date: 1997-11-06 Completed Date: 1997-11-06 Revised Date: 2007-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
|
Nlm Unique ID: 0372715 Medline TA: Can J Surg Country: CANADA |
Other Details:
|
Languages: eng Pagination: 334-9 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
|
Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont. |
Export Citation:
|
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
|
Anoxia
/
etiology Diagnosis, Differential Embolism, Fat* / diagnosis, etiology, therapy Fracture Fixation / methods Fractures, Bone / complications Humans Prevalence Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult / etiology |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document: 'Domino' liver transplantation combined with multivisceral transplantation.
Next Document: Primary breast cancer in the elderly.