Clinical Characteristics of Fat Embolism Syndrome: A Descriptive Study from Herat Regional Hospital, Afghanistan (March 2020–December 2024)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58342/MJ.V.3.I.2.7Keywords:
Fat Embolism Syndrome, Long Bone Fractures, Clinical Epidemiology, Trauma ComplicationsAbstract
Background and Objective: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a serious and potentially fatal complication following trauma. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of FES in patients admitted to a tertiary care center.
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 52 patients diagnosed with FES in the internal medicine department of Herat Regional Hospital. Data were extracted from medical records and analyzed using descriptive statistics..
Findings/ Result: The majority of patients were male (67.3%) and under 40 years of age (57.7%). The most common risk factor was long bone fractures (76.9%), particularly femoral fractures (42.3%). The most frequent complication was pulmonary involvement (19.2%). The rate of complete recovery was 53.9%, and mortality was 11.5%.
Conclusion: Fat embolism syndrome predominantly affects young males with major lower limb fractures. Despite the risk of severe complications, the prognosis is favorable in most cases with timely diagnosis and management. Active screening of these high-risk patients is essential.
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