Prevention and treatment of fat embolism syndrome by hydroxyethyl starch 130/0. 4 and low molecular heparin

Abstract

Objective On the basis of fat embolism syndrome animal model injected with homologous rabbit bone marrow fat, to observe prevention and treatment of fat embolism syndrome （FES） by hydroxyethyl starch 130/0. 4 and low molecular weight heparin. Methods Forty-two rabbits were divided into three groups. The rabbits in control group were injected with bone marrow fat 0. 8 ml/kg （0.05 ml/min） via femoral vein. In hydroxyethyl starch 130/0. 4 group, the rabbits were intravenously injected with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0. 4 （30 ml/kg）, 3 h before and 12 h after embolism respectively. In low molecular weight heparin group, the rabbits were hypodermically injected with low molecular weight heparin （300 U/kg）, 3 h before and 12 h after embolism respectively. After observation for 24 h, mortality rate was calculated, the levels of 02 pressure, CO2 pressure and plasma free fatty acid （FFA） were measured, and morphological and pathological changes of the lung were observed. Results As compared with control group, mortality rate, O2 pressure, CO2 pressure and the increase in FFA were reduced in hydroxyethyl starch 130/0. 4 group （P 〈 0. 01 ）. There was no significant difference between low molecular weight heparin group and control group. Mortality rate in three groups was respectively 57% , 14% and 43% respectively. The pathological changes of the lung in two experimental groups demonstrated mild injuries than in control group, more significantly in hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 group. Conclusion Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0. 4 could effectively prevent and treat fat embolism syndrome. Key words: Fat embolism syndrome; Hydroxyethyl starch; Low molecular weight heparin; Rabbit