Post-traumatic fat embolism syndrome--a 10 year retrospective study in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Forty patients with post-traumatic fat embolism syndrome (FES) from January 1977 through December 1986 were retrospectively analyzed. Diagnosis was made according to the criteria modified by Guard. All 40 patients had at least two major criteria, namely change in consciousness and hypoxia. Twenty patients (50%) presented with full-blown clinical features. Prompt respiratory support with oxygen mask or nasal prongs was the first line of treatment. Forty per cent of patients responded well, whereas the others had to be advanced to endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure. Steroids were given to 80% of patients and better results were achieved than in the group not treated with steroids. The mortality rate was low (2.5%) and only four patients suffered prolonged cerebral sequelae. The clinical course and prognosis cannot be predicted from the severity of the fracture.