Schonfeld et al developed a score for the diagnosis of fat embolism.
Parameters:
(1) skin petechiae
(2) alveolar infiltrates on chest X-ray
(3) PaO2 in mm Hg
(4) confusion
(5) body temperature
(6) pulse
(7) respiratory rate
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
skin petechiae |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
5 |
|
alveolar infiltrates |
absent or focal |
0 |
|
|
diffuse |
4 |
|
PaO2 on room air |
>= 70 mm Hg (>= 9.3 kPa) |
0 |
|
|
< 70 mm Hg (< 9.3 kPa) |
3 |
|
confusion |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
body temperature |
<= 38°C |
0 |
|
|
> 38°C (fever) |
1 |
|
pulse |
<= 120 beats per minute |
0 |
|
|
> 120 beats per minute (tachycardia) |
1 |
|
respiratory rate |
<= 30 breaths per minute |
0 |
|
|
> 30 breaths per minute |
1 |
total score =
= SUM(points for all 7 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 16
• A score >=6 indicates fat embolism in the proper clinical context.
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Surgery, general
