Bulger et al reported clinical findings associated with the fat embolism syndrome (FES).
The authors are from the University of Washington in Seattle.
Patient selection: trauma
Frequency: about 1% of all patients with a long bone fracture
Clinical features:
(1) one or more long bone fractures
(2) hypoxia
(3) mental status changes
(4) petechiae
(5) body temperature > 39.0°C
(6) heart rate > 120 beats per minute (tachycardia)
(7) platelet count < 150,000 per µL (thrombocytopenia)
(8) unexplained anemia
These findings may be masked by or ascribed to the traumatic injuries.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Surgery, general, Emergency Medicine