The fat embolism syndrome treated with oxygen, diuretics, sodium restriction and spontaneous ventilation.

The fat embolism syndrome is a self limiting disease with its mortality related to the degree of respiratory failure. Treatment therefore is directed at maintaining satisfactory pulmonary gas exchange throughout the course of the disease. In 28 consecutive patients diagnosed with fat embolism syndrome and severe respiratory failure, therapy consisted of oxygen, diuretics, sodium restriction and a trial of spontaneous ventilation. There was no mortality.