Fat embolism and the fat embolism syndrome. A double-blind therapeutic study.

Abstract

Fifty-five adults who had sustained a tibial fracture, or a femoral fracture, or both, were subjected to a double-blind randomised study to determine the efficacy of methylprednisolone in treating the fat embolism syndrome. This drug maintained arterial oxygen levels, stabilised or reduced the serum level of free fatty acids, and decreased the risk of the fat embolism syndrome in a statistically significant proportion of patients. Gurd's criteria for the diagnosis of the fat embolism syndrome were found inadequate. Other more sensitive criteria for early diagnosis and effective management were determined. There were no deaths or serious morbidity in our series.

• Authors: B G Lindeque, H S Schoeman, G F Dommisse, M C Boeyens, A L Vlok
• Journal: The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume (J Bone Joint Surg Br) Vol. 69 Issue 1 Pg. 128-31 (Jan 1987) ISSN: 0301-620X [Print] England
• PMID: 3818718 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Complement C5
• Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
• Oxygen
• Methylprednisolone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Complement C5 (analysis)
• Double-Blind Method
• Embolism, Fat (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Fatty Acids, Nonesterified (blood)
• Female
• Femoral Fractures (complications)
• Humans
• Male
• Methylprednisolone (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Oxygen (blood)
• Random Allocation
• Syndrome
• Tibial Fractures (complications)