The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Review and Recommendations.

Superficial gluteal lipofilling is a fat grafting procedure performed to correct a trochanteric depression and buttock deflation. Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a gluteal lipofilling procedure traditionally associated with exaggerated appearance and intramuscular fat transfer. The risk of mortality from fat embolism in BBL was previously reported as being 1:2500. The actual risk was later estimated to be nearer 1:15,000, which is similar to the mortality risk in abdominoplasty. There is increasing evidence regarding the safety of subcutaneous gluteal lipofilling. This has principally been related to new technologies, surgical techniques, and training being developed to avoid intramuscular injection of fat. The efficacy and benefits of intraoperative ultrasound for guiding the subcutaneous placement of fat and avoiding inadvertent deep lipofilling have been demonstrated. Other serious risks and complications must be considered in addition to mortality. These include hypothermia, sepsis, skin necrosis, and poor aesthetic results, as well as the much-publicized risk of fat embolism. Complications are better controlled and managed in strictly regulated healthcare settings. Patients seeking surgery at unregulated facilities or via medical tourism are deemed to be at higher risk of being exposed to these serious complications and/or inadequate subsequent management.

Safety Considerations of Fat Grafting in Buttock Augmentation.

Autologous fat grafting for buttock augmentation is one of the fastest growing plastic surgery procedures, but has also received significant publicity for the relatively high mortality rate secondary to fat emboli. The literature has grown exponentially in the past 5 years on this subject, helping to clarify our knowledge and providing recommendations to minimize risks, including avoiding intramuscular injections, placing the patient in the jackknife position, and utilizing larger-bore cannulas. Since the application of these recommendations, the rate of pulmonary fat embolism has decreased from 0.097% to 0.04%, with a current mortality of 1 in 14,921, making it statistically safer than abdominoplasty. Despite the evolution in our knowledge, techniques, and outcomes, it remains of utmost importance to properly select and educate patients about the safety of fat grafting for buttock augmentation. Level of Evidence: 4.

Guidelines for the acute care of severe limb trauma patients

To provide healthcare professionals with comprehensive multidisciplinary expert recommendations for the acute care of severe limb trauma patients, both during the prehospital phase and after admission to a Trauma Centre. A consensus committee of 21 experts was formed. A formal conflict-of-interest (COI) policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independently of any industrial funding (i.e., pharmaceutical, medical devices). The authors were advised to follow the rules of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE®) system to guide assessment of the quality of evidence. The potential drawbacks of making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence were emphasised. Few recommendations remained non-graded. The committee addressed eleven questions relevant to the patient suffering severe limb trauma: 1) What are the key findings derived from medical history and clinical examination which lead to the patient's prompt referral to a Level 1 or Level 2 Trauma Centre? 2) What are the medical devices that must be implemented in the prehospital setting to reduce blood loss? 3) Which are the clinical findings prompting the performance of injected X-ray examinations? 4) What are the ideal timing and modalities for performing fracture fixation? 5) What are the clinical and operative findings which steer the surgical approach in case of vascular compromise and/or major musculoskeletal attrition? 6) How to best prevent infection? 7) How to best prevent thromboembolic complications? 8) What is the best strategy to precociously detect and treat limb compartment syndrome? 9) How to best and precociously detect post-traumatic rhabdomyolysis and prevent rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury? 10) What is the best strategy to reduce the incidence of fat emboli syndrome and post-traumatic systemic inflammatory response? 11) What is the best therapeutic strategy to treat acute trauma-induced pain? Every question was formulated in a PICO (Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome) format and the evidence profiles were produced. The literature review and recommendations were made according to the GRADE® methodology. The experts' synthesis work and the application of the GRADE method resulted in 19 recommendations. Among the formalised recommendations, 4 had a high level of evidence (GRADE 1+/-) and 12 had a low level of evidence (GRADE 2+/-). For 3 recommendations, the GRADE method could not be applied, resulting in an expert advice. After two rounds of scoring and one amendment, strong agreement was reached on all the recommendations. There was significant agreement among experts on strong recommendations to improve practices for severe limb trauma patients.

Personal Strategy to Avoid Fat Embolism During Fat Grafting: Brisk Withdrawal of Cannula While Injection.

INTRODUCTION: Complications of fat grafting by means of injection may lead to unwanted passage of substrate into vessel lumens resulting in catastrophic complications. Likewise, a similar trend of complications is observed with non-autologous fillers regardless of an almost generalized use of blunt cannulas, the latter being implicated in the majority of serious vascular complications of hyaluronic acid injection. This report is the product of investigation to review all cases that underwent an original technique of fat injection: "The smart fat injection" during the cannula's brisk withdrawal technique. The aim of this research was to document the safety of this technique by searching if fat embolism had occurred and if yes, its incidence in this group of fat injection surgeries. METHOD: This retrospective review included 3039 patients who underwent the smart fat injection at the facial or corporeal level between 2001 and 2019. The study focused on the search for complications linked to fat yet also cruorical embolism, as the latter may resemble the clinical symptoms of fat embolism. RESULTS: The assessment of the 3039 patients who underwent the smart fat injection during cannula's brisk withdrawal, resulted in none presenting clinically detectable fat or a cruorical embolism. CONCLUSION: This report documents the safety of the smart fat injection developed over a period of 22 years. It further explains the rationale of the technique for avoiding fat embolism while simultaneously enhancing fat take. This technique should not be implemented without appropriate in vitro training. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

How to Save a Life From Macroscopic Fat Embolism: A Narrative Review of Treatment Options.

Macroscopic fat embolism (MAFE) has grabbed the attention of the plastic surgery community in recent years because of its high mortality rate. Many articles on preventing MAFE during gluteal fat grafting are available in the literature. However, total prevention is difficult: a number of factors, both technical and human, mean that MAFE remains a potential complication. This review was written with the main goal of providing a treatment plan. MAFE shares many similar pathophysiologic and hemodynamic features with massive thrombotic pulmonary embolism (PE), especially the associated cardiopulmonary decompensation. Lessons learned from PE management were used to devise a management algorithm for MAFE. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and its potential application as a main modality of treatment for MAFE was explored. The lack of evidence in the literature for the treatment of MAFE, and its high mortality, lent urgency to the need to write an article on the management aspect in the form of a narrative review, to ensure that every plastic surgeon practicing gluteal fat grafting is knowledgeable about the treatment aspect of this deadly complication.

The Potential Role of Corticosteroid Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Microscopic Fat Embolism Syndrome in Gluteal Augmentations.

BACKGROUND: Microscopic fat embolism syndrome (micro-FES) has been recently identified as a potentially fatal complication following gluteal augmentation utilizing autologous fat grafts; safety recommendations advocating for subcutaneous lipo-injections may be insufficient for its prevention. OBJECTIVES: The authors of this systematic review evaluated the potential role of corticosteroid prophylaxis for the prevention of micro-FES in gluteal augmentation procedures. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic search employing the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Medline, and Embase databases. Search terms were those pertaining to studies reporting the efficacy of prophylactic corticosteroid administration on micro-FES incidence in a high-risk surrogate population. RESULTS: Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria for review, comprising 2 studies reporting on the efficacy of a single intravenous (IV) corticosteroid dose for the prophylaxis of micro-FES, 9 studies reporting on multiple prophylactic IV doses, and 2 additional studies reporting on the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids in this context. All studies were identified from the orthopedic literature given that none were available directly from within plastic surgery. The prophylactic efficacy of multiple IV doses of methylprednisolone, or a single larger dose, was established, whereas the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids remains elusive. CONCLUSIONS: A single perioperative IV dose of methylprednisolone may be most appropriate for utilization by plastic surgeons; the safety and implication of this therapy on wound healing and fat graft survival are discussed. Further studies directly evaluating the efficacy of corticosteroid prophylaxis in the gluteal augmentation population are indicated. Finally, recommendations pertaining to the prevention, timely recognition, and effective management of micro-FES are discussed.

Warm retrograde perfusion can remove more fat from lung grafts with fat embolism in a porcine model.

OBJECTIVE: In lung transplantation, unexpected pulmonary emboli, including thrombi and fat, have been observed with high probability and are associated with potential primary graft dysfunction. We evaluated a new perfusion method using warm retrograde flushing that removes more fat than conventional cold retrograde flushing. METHODS: We developed a novel porcine donor model for pulmonary fat embolism by administering autologous fat in the left pulmonary artery. The left pulmonary artery and the left superior and inferior pulmonary veins were cannulated for flushing and collecting these solutions. After flushing, the left lung was reperfused under observation for 3 h. Two groups underwent warm and cold additional retrograde flush (WS; warm solution group, CS; cold solution group). RESULTS: The fat removal rate in the antegrade flush was equal in both groups (3.0 ± 0.6% vs 3.0 ± 0.4%, p = 0.46); however, the rate was significantly greater in the WS group in retrograde flush (25.2 ± 3.2% vs 8.0 ± 1.4%, p = 0.01). Histology with Oil Red O staining and its software analysis showed more residual fat in the CS group (0.12 ± 0.01% vs 0.38 ± 0.07%, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the pulmonary function and hemodynamics during the 3-h period after reperfusion. CONCLUSION: Warm retrograde perfusion can remove more fat from lung grafts with fat embolism in a porcine donor model.

[Infusion prevention of fat globulaemia during total hip arthroplasty]. / Infuzionnaia profilaktika zhirovoi globulemii pri reéndoprotezirovanii tazobedrennogo sustava.

AIM: To assess the effect of the modified infusion therapy regimen on the frequency of development of laboratory and clinical manifestations of fat embolism syndrome in patients after hip replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 80 patients (70 men and 10 women) who were admitted for planned revision hip arthroplasty. The criteria for not inclusion in the study were the presence of a traumatic brain injury, episodes of acute disturbance of blood supply (stroke) and diabetes mellitus in history. 40 patients of the main group during the operation were administered Gelofuzin and Sterofundin isotonic, and in the first day after the operation Remaxol and Sterofundin isotonic. Using the copy-steam method, a control group (n=40) out of 197 patients was selected by gender and age. In the control group, infusion therapy was carried out using a 0.9% NaCl solution. All patients underwent assessment of fat globulemia, water-electrolyte balance, acid-base status and oxygenation index - before surgery; 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the operation, on the third day, mental disorders were assessed using the Addenburg scale (ACE-R) for evaluating cognitive functions. RESULTS: All patients underwent hip joint endoprosthetics. In the group receiving the modified infusion therapy regimen, the results were significantly better, there were no statistically significant changes in the level of electrolytes (p=0.14), episodes of a decrease in the oxygenation index and cognitive dysfunction. In contrast to patients in the control group, where the level of chlorine and sodium was significantly higher, the number of fat globules with a diameter of more than 8 µm, as well as in two patients, the development of postoperative delirium with a decrease in the oxygenation index below 300 was observed. The causal relationship between the number of fat globules with a diameter of more than 8 microns and clinical manifestations of cerebral and pulmonary forms of fat embolism (r-Pirsen = -0.87 and -0.80, respectively). There were no statistically significant changes in platelet count, potassium concentration with indicators of fat globulemia and a scale of cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: A high correlation of fatty globulemia with the development of respiratory and pulmonary dysfunction after hip replacement was determined. The inclusion of Gelofuzin, Sterofundin isotonic and Remaxol in intensive therapy provides a pronounced emulsifying effect on fat globules appearing in the bloodstream in the first hours after hip replacement, and effective prevention of potentially dangerous fat embolism.

A Smart Sensing Cannula for Fat Grafting.

Gluteal fat grafting has been highlighted as a significant safety issue in plastic surgery, with a mortality rate as high as one in 3000 cases. Injury to the gluteal veins resulting in fat emboli has been identified as the cause of these mortalities. The gluteal veins lie deep to the gluteal musculature in the buttocks, and it has been suggested that avoiding intramuscular injection of fat may prevent these complications. The authors present a novel injection cannula design that uses impedance sensing to determine the location of the cannula tip. Specifically, the system can determine when the tip of the cannula leaves the subcutaneous plane and enters muscle. The use of this system may prevent inadvertent injury to the gluteal veins and subsequent embolic complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, V.

Clinical characteristics and management of patients with fat embolism syndrome in level I Apex Trauma Centre.

PURPOSE: Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is systemic manifestation of fat emboli in the circulation seen mostly after long bone fractures. FES is considered a lethal complication of trauma. There are various case reports and series describing FES. Here we describe the clinical characteristics, management in ICU and outcome of these patients in level I trauma center in a span of 6 months. METHODS: In this prospective study, analysis of all the patients with FES admitted in our polytrauma intensive care unit (ICU) of level I trauma center over a period of 6 months (from August 2017 to January 2018) was done. Demographic data, clinical features, management in ICU and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: We admitted 10 cases of FES. The mean age of patients was 31.2 years. The mean duration from time of injury to onset of symptoms was 56 h. All patients presented with hypoxemia and petechiae but central nervous system symptoms were present in 70% of patients. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 11.7 days and the mean length of ICU stay was 14.7 days. There was excellent recovery among patients with no neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: FES is considered a lethal complication of trauma but timely management can result in favorable outcome. FES can occur even after fixation of the fracture. Hypoxia is the most common and earliest feature of FES followed by CNS manifestations. Any patient presenting with such symptoms should raise the suspicion of FES and mandate early ICU referral.

Autogenous Fat Grafting to the Breast and Gluteal Regions: Safety Profile Including Risks and Complications.

Given the widespread utility and therapeutic potential of autogenous fat grafting, plastic surgeons should be familiar with its safety profile and associated adverse events. This article provides a critical review of the literature and delineates risk factors associated with various complications when grafting to the breast and gluteal regions. The majority of adverse events are related to fat necrosis and require minimal diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. Larger graft volumes, as in cosmetic augmentation, are associated with higher incidences of fatty necrosis. The oncologic safety of fat grafting is supported by multiple clinical studies with thousands of breast cancer patients, albeit predominantly retrospective in nature. Although less frequent, serious complications include fat emboli during gluteal augmentation. Identification of associated risk factors and implementation of proper surgical techniques may minimize the occurrence of life-threatening complications.

Where Does the Transplanted Fat is Located in the Gluteal Region? Research Letter.

INTRODUCTION: Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. As in any surgery, there are risks and complications, especially when combined with fat injection. Case reports of fat embolism have been reported. A possible explanation is the puncture and tearing of gluteal vessels during the procedure, especially when a deep injection is planned. OBJECTIVE: To identify the places where fat can be located after injection during a fat graft in the gluteus. METHODS: An experimental study was done in which colorant was injected in four directions using four different quadrants of the gluteus. We Injected 10 cc six times following clock hands until 60 cc were injected, and the cutaneous flap and the muscles were then elevated. Our main purpose was to describe where the colorant went and if it was in contact with the vessels (superior and inferior gluteal vessels). In total, four gluteus muscles were injected and dissected. RESULTS: Injection in the lower lateral quadrant was mainly into the muscle, and colorant was observed in the hypogastric vessels. The injection in the upper quadrants stayed mainly in the subcutaneous tissue. CONCLUSIONS: During surgery, it is important to identify the location of the perforators and to avoid a deep injection, especially from the lower lateral quadrant to the superior medial quadrant (Q4 to Q1), as the probability of puncturing and injecting fat into the main vessels from this direction is higher.

Safe Gluteal Fat Graft Avoiding a Vascular or Nervous Injury: An Anatomical Study in Cadavers.

Background: Fat grafting for gluteal augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic surgery procedures. It has an associated mortality to fat embolism of 0.2%. Objectives: The authors of this study sought to describe which technique for synthetic graft application was least likely to cause a fat embolism. Methods: Ten fresh bodies were obtained and 4 groups arranged with 5 buttocks each randomly assigned. Group 1 was infiltrated through the upper medial intergluteal sulcus (upper medial intergluteal sulcus) with an angulation of -30°, -10°, and 0°. Group 2 was infiltrated through the middle lower gluteal sulcus with an angulation of -30°, 0°, and +15°. Group 3 was infiltrated through a peritrochanteric (PT) access at the level of the femur head at 0° and +10° and in the middle of the buttock at the level of the posterior superior iliac crest at -30° toward the trochanter (lateral direction). Group 4 was infiltrated in the same manner as group 1 without -30°. A complication occurred when the graft was in contact with the vascular or nervous bundle, within the gluteus medius muscle, or both. Results: Group 1 had 3 buttocks with a complication (UMIGS -30°). Group 2 had complications in all the injection techniques. Group 3 had 5 buttocks with a complication (PT at 0°). Group 4 had no complications. Conclusions: The injection of the fat graft through the UMIGS at 0° and 10° angles, and through the middle of the buttock at the level of posterior superior iliac crest a -30° angle, reaches the surface needed for gluteal augmentation. The group 2 techniques should be avoided because they have a high risk of complication.

Expansion Vibration Lipofilling: A New Technique in Large-Volume Fat Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Despite rapid growth, gluteal fat transplantation is an operation in search of science and a teachable technique. Long operating times, tedious syringe transfers, inability to shape the recipient site, and the risk of fat embolism all headline as impediments to clinical adoption of the procedure. Expansion vibration lipofilling is a syringe-free surgical strategy that is a logical extension of Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization (SAFELipo). In expansion vibration lipofilling, there is simultaneous disruption of recipient-site connective tissue, internal expansion using exploded-tip cannulas, and backfilling of these spaces with roller pump-propelled fat. METHODS: Two thousand four hundred nineteen consecutive cases of expansion vibration lipofilling fat transplantation to the buttocks were reviewed. Average follow-up was 12 months. The technique of expansion vibration lipofilling is dependent on the use of larger caliber cannulas attached to a roller pump and to an oscillatory power-assisted liposuction device, which is less labor-intensive, potentially allowing for better knowledge of cannula-tip location at all times during the procedure. RESULTS: Operating times averaged 1 hour 40 minutes. The average volume of fat inserted was 1003 cc. Complications included donor-site seroma, infection, and one pulmonary embolism treated with anticoagulation. There were no cases of fat embolism or death. CONCLUSIONS: Expansion vibration lipofilling is a new method for large-volume fat transplantation. Avoidance of fatal fat emboli demands a surgeon's complete knowledge of cannula tip location at all times during the procedure. Syringe-free, larger caliber, and less flexible cannulas, combined with techniques requiring less operator upper extremity effort resulting in less fatigue, may contribute to avoidance of this dreadful complication. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Prevention of Fat Embolism in Fat Injection for Gluteal Augmentation, Anatomic Study in Fresh Cadavers.

INTRODUCTION: Liposuction is a popular surgical procedure. As in any surgery, there are risks and complications, especially when combined with fat injection. Case reports of fat embolism have described a possible explanation as the puncture and tear of gluteal vessels during the procedure, especially when a deep injection is planned. METHODS: A total of 10 dissections were performed in five fresh cadavers. Each buttocks was divided into four quadrants. We focused on the location where the gluteal vessels enter the muscle and the diameter of the vessels. Colorant at two different angles was injected (30° and 45°). We evaluated the relation of the colorant with the main vessels. RESULTS: We found two perforators per quadrant. The thickness of the gluteal muscle was 2.84 ± 1.54 cm. The area under the muscle where the superior gluteal vessels traverse the muscle was located 6.4 ± 1.54 cm from the intergluteal crease and 5.8 ± 1.13 cm from the superior border of the muscle. The inferior gluteal vessels were located 8.3 ± 1.39 cm from the intergluteal crease and 10 ± 2.24 cm from the superior border of the muscle. When we compared the fat injected at a 30° angle, the colorant stayed in the muscle. Using a 45° angle, the colorant was in contact with the superior gluteal artery and the sciatic nerve. No puncture or tear was observed in the vessels or the nerve. CONCLUSIONS: The location where the vessels come in contact with the muscle, which can be considered for fat injection, were located in quadrants 1 and 3. A 30° angle allows for an injection into the muscle without passing into deeper structures, unlike a 45° injection angle.

Timing of definitive fixation of major long bone fractures: Can fat embolism syndrome be prevented?

Fat embolism is common in patients with major fractures, but leads to devastating consequences, named fat embolism syndrome (FES) in some. Despite advances in treatment strategies regarding the timing of definitive fixation of major fractures, FES still occurs in patients. In this overview, current literature is reviewed and optimal treatment strategies for patients with multiple traumatic injuries, including major fractures, are discussed. Considering the multifactorial etiology of FES, including mechanical and biochemical pathways, FES cannot be prevented in all patients. However, screening for symptoms of FES should be standard in the pre-operative work-up of these patients, prior to definitive fixation of major fractures.

Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating the Effect of the Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator on the Volume of Embolic Load and Respiratory Function During Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether the use of the Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA) device resulted in a decreased amount of fat emboli compared with standard reaming (SR) when performing intramedullary (IM) nailing of femoral shaft fractures. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Multi-centered trial, level I trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: All eligible patients who presented to participating institutions with an isolated femoral shaft fracture amenable to fixation with antegrade IM nailing. Thirty-one patients were enrolled: nine were excluded because of technical difficulties with the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) recording. Therefore, the study comprised 22 patients: 11 patients randomized to the SR group and eleven patients randomized to the RIA group. INTERVENTION: Antegrade IM nailing of a femoral shaft fracture with standard reamers or the RIA device. All patients were monitored intraoperatively with a continuous TEE to assess embolic events in the right atrium. A radial arterial line was used to monitor blood gases and potential systemic effects of emboli. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Duration, size, and severity of emboli as measured by TEE. The operative procedure was divided into 6 distinct stages: preoperative, reduction, guidewire passage, reaming, nail insertion, and postoperative. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in emboli between the RIA and SR groups preoperatively, during fracture reduction, guidewire insertion, or postoperatively. Measured with a standardized scoring system, there was a modest reduction in total emboli score in the RIA group during reaming (SR 5.30 [SD; 1.81] vs. RIA 4.05 [SD; 2.19], P = 0.005) and during nail insertion (SR 5.09 [SD; 1.74] vs. RIA 4.25 [SD; 1.89], P = 0.03). We were unable to correlate this reduction with any improvement in physiologic parameters (mean arterial pressure, end-tidal CO2, O2 saturation, pH, paO2, and paCO2). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a modest reduction of embolic debris during the reaming and nail insertion segments of the operative procedure. We were unable to correlate this with any change in physiologic parameters. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The renin inhibitor aliskiren protects rat lungs from the histopathologic effects of fat embolism.

BACKGROUND: Fat embolism (FE) and the consequent FE syndrome occurring after trauma or surgery can lead to serious pulmonary injury, including ARDS and death. Current treatment of FE syndrome is limited to supportive therapy. We have shown in a rat model that the renin angiotensin system plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of FE because drugs interfering with the renin angiotensin system, captopril and losartan reduce the histopathologic pulmonary damage. The purpose of the current study was to determine if inhibition of renin by aliskiren, an FDA-approved drug for treating hypertension, would produce effective protection in the same model. METHODS: The FE model used intravenous injection of the neutral fat triolein in unanesthetized rats. Intraperitoneal injections of saline or aliskiren at either 50 or 100 mg/kg were performed 1 hour after FE induction via triolein. Rats were euthanized at 48 hours, and various histologic stains were used to examine the lungs. RESULTS: (1) Fibrosis: rats treated with triolein showed significant fibrotic changes with increased collagen and myofibroblast activation (p < 0.0001 for both trichrome and α-smooth muscle actin staining). Aliskiren blocked this inflammatory and profibrotic process to a level indistinguishable from the controls (p < 0.0001 for both trichrome and α-smooth muscle actin staining). (2) Fat: rats treated with triolein showed a statistically significant increase in fat (p = 0.0006). Subsequent aliskiren administration at both doses reduced the size, distribution, and amount of fat droplets (low dose, p = 0.0095; high dose, p = 0.0028). (3) Vessel patency: the low dose of aliskiren blocked the reduction of lumen patency observed after triolein administration (p = 0.0058). CONCLUSIONS: Aliskiren protected the lungs of rats from gross and histopathologic FE-induced pulmonary damage at 48 hours. Clinical implications include the use of aliskiren both prophylactically (before certain orthopedic procedures) and therapeutically (after severe trauma) to prevent the consequent severe pulmonary pathologic sequelae.

Inhalational Ciclesonide found beneficial in prevention of fat embolism syndrome and improvement of hypoxia in isolated skeletal trauma victims.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have established intravenous corticosteroid as an effective prophylactic therapy in fat embolism syndrome (FES). However, its use is limited among surgeons because of systemic side effects. Inhalational steroids have least systemic effects and are widely used for several chest conditions (i.e., asthma), but their effectiveness in FES has not been established. QUESTION/PURPOSE: This study was sought to evaluate the (1) efficacy and (2) safety of inhalational Ciclesonide (CIC) in prevention of FES and treatment of hypoxemia in isolated skeletal trauma victims. METHODS: A nonrandomized prospective control trial was designed in which all patients between 18 and 40 years with isolated skeletal injury who presented within 8 h of injury were allocated to either Trial group or control group. Trial group patients received 640 mcg of inhalational CIC with a metered-dose inhaler at the time of admission, and at 24 h. Control group patients did not receive any prophylactic therapy. Both groups were evaluated for development of FES (Gurd's criteria) and hypoxemia (PaO2 <70 mmHg) for 72 h. The complications related to CIC administration were evaluated in trial group patients during their hospital stay. RESULTS: Of 35 patients in each group, two patients in Trial group and nine patients in control group developed FES (P = 0.022). Eight patients in Trial group had hypoxemia at the time of admission, six of them improved and one additional patient developed hypoxemia after inhalational CIC administration. In control group, ten patients had hypoxia at the time of admission, only one of them improved and remaining nine patients had persistent hypoxemia even after 72 h. Additionally, three patients developed hypoxemia. A significant improvement in hypoxemia and a significant decrease in the incidence of FES were observed in Trial group (P < 0.05) compared to control group. None of the patients presented with any complications or adverse effects of steroid in Trial group. CONCLUSION: Inhalational CIC is a safe and effective therapy for prevention of FES and also an effective drug for treatment of hypoxemia in orthopedic trauma victims. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.