title: [Fat embolism still exists. A retrospective study of 17 cases in a surgical intensive care unit].
abstract: Fat embolism is a severe complication in patients with femoral fractures. This retrospective study records 17 cases of post traumatic fat embolism diagnosed between 1979 and 1993 among 430 patients admitted for femoral fractures (incidence: 2.7%). These cases underline the high frequency of early hypovolaemia (10/17), of respiratory and cerebral disorders (15/17), all occurring during the first post trauma week. Three cases were observed in the postoperative period. Severity of fat embolism is proved by three deaths and a mean mechanical ventilation period of 13 days. With early osteosynthesis, incidence of fat embolism could be lowered to 0.2%. Prevention is based on osteosynthesis, avoidance of hypovolemia and of hypoalbuminemia.
authors.affiliation: Service d'Anesthésie et de Réanimation chirurgicale, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Strasbourg.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gaertner
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pottecher
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care; D004620:Embolism, Fat / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
vernacular_title: L'embolie graisseuse existe toujours. Etude rétrospective de 17 cas dans un service de réanimation chirurgicale.