Fat Embolism
Numan N EKIM
Abstract
The clinical features usually appear about 48 hours after injury. These are tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia and pyrexia. Neurologic changes include decreased sensorium, irritability, stupor, delirium and coma. Chest radiographs demonstrate diffuse bilateral infiltrates. Laboratory abnormalities include hypoxemia, thrombocytopenia, anemia and hypocalcemia. The most useful diagnostic test is the arterial blood gas analysis. Treatment consists of general supportive care with energetic pulmonary therapy.