Single-case metanalysis of fat embolism syndrome

Only one large series has been reported on fat embolism syndrome (FES), a condition caused by fat globules release into the circulation, primarily as consequence of bone fracture. Thus, more data on clinical features, therapies, and prognosis are needed.

The study screened 1090 manuscripts in PubMed and Web of Science on cases of FES published from June 2010 to June 2020. The authors identified 124 studies and included in the pooled-analysis 135 patients (>14 years), plus one additional unpublished case managed in Tongji hospital. All had confirmed diagnosis of FES with complete clinical data. The median age at presentation was 39 years, and 82 (61.8%) were men. FES was predominantly associated with bone fractures (78, 57.4%), particularly femur fracture (59, 43.4%). The most common clinical finding at the onset was respiratory abnormalities in 34.6% of all clinical presentations. Therapies included respiratory supportive care in 127 (93.4%) patients, application of corticosteroids in 22 (16.2%) and anticoagulant in 5 (3.7%) cases. Overall mortality was 30.2% (N = 41), and logistic regression analysis showed that corticosteroid therapy was significantly associated with reduced mortality with an OR of 0.143 (95%CI 0.029-0.711), while age ≥ 65 years and non-orthopedic conditions were significantly associated with increased mortality with an OR of 4.816 (95%CI 1.638-14.160) and 4.785 (95%CI 1.019-22.474).

FES has been associated with a larger mortality rate than previously observed, although publication bias can have led to overestimation of mortality. Finally, a potential protective effect of corticosteroid therapy has been suggested by the current analysis.