Table 2

Diagnostic criteria of studies

StudyYearFES clinical diagnosis used in analysisSignsHypoxia, mm Hg*
Babalis et al. (43)2004FES score ≥ 5†Petechiae (5 points); arterial partial oxygen pressure < 60 mm Hg (4 points); bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph (3 points); temperature > 38°C, heart rate > 120 beats/min, respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min (1 point)< 60 = severe
60–70 = mild
Schonfeld et al. (17)1983FES score ≥ 5†Petechiae (5 points); bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph (4 points); arterial partial oxygen pressure < 70 mm Hg (3 points); confusion, temperature > 38°C, heart rate > 120 beats/min, respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min (1 point)< 60
Kallenbach et al. (44)1987Petechiae + 1 signConfusion, hypoxia, bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph< 67 (age 14–29 yr)
< 64 (age 30–45 yr)
Alho et al. (42)1978Hypoxia + 2 signsArterial partial oxygen pressure < 60 mm Hg, bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph, petechiae, neurologic dysfunction, temperature > 38°C, hemoglobin drop > 25 g/L, platelet count < 120 ×109/L< 60
Lindeque et al. (45)1987Gurd criteria< 60
Stoltenberg and Gustilo (46)1979Hypoxia and symptoms of neurologic dysfunction< 65
Shier et al. (26)1977N/AN/A

  • FES = fat embolism syndrome; N/A = not applicable.

  • ↵* Arterial oxygen partial pressure cut-off value.

  • ↵† Diagnosis is based on total score, which is given points for different clinical signs.