Fat embolism, thromboembolism

Embolism is called acute clotting of blood vessels, as a result of which blood supply to tissues or organs is impaired. Fat embolism, respectively, is a blockage of blood vessels with fat. Usually, this fat of its own origin, extremely rarely - foreign (introduced into the organs artificially as a solvent of drugs or for diagnostic purposes).

Fat embolism is the result of traumatic complications. Usually it is associated with severe skeletal injuries (fractures of the hip, pelvis, lower leg, crushing fatty tissue). It can occur with pancreatitis, diabetes, septicemia, shock conditions, anemia, postresuscitation, as a result of mistaken administration of lipid-soluble drugs, with liposuction.

Fat embolism is diagnosed less often than it occurs, as it is "masked" for other diseases. For example, for pneumonia.

Distinguish: the form lightning (leading to death within a few minutes); Form acute (develops after injury in the first hours); Form subacute (latent period 12-72 hours)

Clinically, pulmonary, cerebral and mixed (most common) forms are distinguished.

Fat embolism, treatment

Treatment is primarily aimed at supporting life functions. This is the artificial ventilation of the lungs, the rehabilitation of the trachea and bronchi. To combat hyperpyrexia, a lytic mixture is introduced . Permeability of capillaries in high doses reduces steroid hormones, contributing to the disaggregation of blood cells. Infusions of albumin, rheopolyglucin, glucose solutions are carried out very cautiously in connection with the blockade of fat vessels and the threat of overload. Funds are being introduced that normalize the rheological properties of the blood (euphyllin, pentoxifylline, nicotinic acid, xanthinal nicotinate, glucose caffeine mixture). Heparin should not be used, it will worsen lung function and increase the level of fatty acids. Stabilize fat lipostabil, calcium chloride, decholin. If a fat embolism is detected, it is necessary to refrain from operative ways of fixing fractures, achieving their immobilization by other methods. Stabilization of fractures, carried out in the early stages, will prevent fat embolism and eliminate hypoxia.

Thromboembolism, symptoms and causes.

The most common and typical symptoms are: rapid breathing, sudden shortness of breath. In the prone position, the patient feels slightly lighter. Possible pain in the chest (of a different nature - from mild discomfort to severe pain). In rare cases, hemoptysis may occur. Perhaps the manifestation of cyanosis - the nose, lips, ears acquire a cyanotic color or pale. There is a cough, a palpitation becomes more frequent, the patient throws in a cold sweat, he is braked, he experiences dizziness, drowsiness. There may be convulsions in the limbs and loss of consciousness.

The cause of thromboembolism are thrombi arising in the veins. A thrombus can form as a result of damage to the walls of blood vessels, the flow of blood in this place slows down and a clot appears (the blood clots). The walls of the vein can be damaged by various kinds of inflammatory diseases, injuries, injections. Slowing down of the blood flow can be caused by heart failure, with a prolonged position (sitting, lying down). Increased coagulability of blood may be a hereditary malfunction in the blood coagulation system.

Risk factors: old age, malignant neoplasms, surgical operations, pregnancy, injuries, diseases (lupus, erythremia, nephrotic syndrome, hemoglobinuria).

The level of damage is determined by ECG, radiography, ventilation perfusion scintigraphy of the lungs. Treatment is carried out only in a hospital. Unfortunately, even timely recognition does not always ensure successful treatment. To avoid death, seek help early. As an emergency aid, 10,000 units of heparin intravenously is administered, hospitalization is mandatory.

The article is written only for reference. Please contact your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms described. Self-diagnosis and self-medication can lead to tragic consequences!