THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE IN EXPERIMENTAL FAT EMBOLISM
Abstract
An experimental model of fat embolism using neutral fat has been developed. This model is similar to a previously described oleic acid model but is less lethal and allows long term study of animals. Corticosteroids have been tested in two different experimental models of fat embolism and in patients with fat embolism. In experimental fat embolism caused by neutral fat or oleic acid, corticosteroids do not affect clinical course or survival when compared with control animals. Patients with clinical evidence of fat embolism have shown marked neurologic and respiratory improvement following administration of corticosteroids. Hypoxemia secondary to shunting of blood across the lung occurs in both acute pulmonary artery occlusion and respiratory distress. The effects of blood flow and ventilation on pulmonary shunt were studied in experimental animals with pulmonary artery occlusion and acute hemorrhagic edema. Ventilation is more important than flow in determining the amount of shunt. Large tidal volumes may be required to overcome the effect of increased dead space ventilation in animals with pulmonary artery occlusion. In the experimental situation, continuous positive pressure breathing is twice as effective as intermittent positive pressure breathing in reducing shunt. In patients with acute respiratory distress, large tidal volumes and continuous positive pressure breathing are useful in correcting hypoxemia secondary to shunting across the lung.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0697193
Entities
People
- David G. Ashbaugh
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder