Efficacy of Corticosteroid Prophylaxis in Reducing the Incidence of Fat Embolism Syndrome in Patients with Lower Extremity Fractures

Objective: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a relatively infrequent, yet potentially life-threatening complication associated with long bone fractures, exhibiting an incidence of approximately 2-5%.This study investigates the utilization of corticosteroids as a prophylactic measure to reduce the occurrence of FES in such cases.Method: This retrospective, single-centre study was conducted at the Trauma University Hospital in Tirana, Albania, from January 2011 to January 2012.The study encompassed a cohort of 232 patients diagnosed with fractures of the lower extremities.The primary goal was to evaluate the prophylactic role of corticosteroids, specifically methylprednisolone at a dosage of 10 mg kg -1 , in the development of FES.Patients were dichotomized into two groups: Group 1, consisting of 116 patients administered corticosteroid prophylaxis, and Group 2, encompassing 116 patients without corticosteroid prophylaxis for FES.Results: Within Group 1, the incidence of FES was recorded at 2.58%, with an absence of severe respiratory manifestations.In contrast, Group 2 exhibited a FES incidence of 11.20%, out of which 6.03% necessitated intensive care unit respiratory support.The prevalence of FES was significantly lower in Group 1, subjected to corticosteroid prophylaxis, in comparison to Group 2, where no such prophylaxis was administered (p