This document discusses fat embolism syndrome (FES), which can occur in 0.3-1.3% of hospitalized trauma patients with fractures requiring admission. FES most often develops within 72 hours of injury and is characterized by progressive respiratory failure, altered mental status, and petechial rashes. The mortality rate is high, between 7-29%. While FES commonly occurs after long bone fractures and polytrauma, there are reports of it developing after total hip or knee replacement surgery, decompression sickness, third degree burns, bone marrow transplantation, and other conditions. Risk is higher in patients with multiple fractures compared to isolated fractures. Men also have a higher risk than women.
This document discusses fat embolism syndrome (FES), which can occur in 0.3-1.3% of hospitalized trauma patients with fractures requiring admission. FES most often develops within 72 hours of injury and is characterized by progressive respiratory failure, altered mental status, and petechial rashes. The mortality rate is high, between 7-29%. While FES commonly occurs after long bone fractures and polytrauma, there are reports of it developing after total hip or knee replacement surgery, decompression sickness, third degree burns, bone marrow transplantation, and other conditions. Risk is higher in patients with multiple fractures compared to isolated fractures. Men also have a higher risk than women.