RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the catalytic activity of phospholipase A2 in serum during the early phase of experimental fat embolism. DESIGN: Randomised controlled experimental study. SETTING: Animal laboratory, Finland. SUBJECTS: 18 domestic pigs weighing 25-31 kg. INTERVENTIONS: Allogeneic bone marrow suspension at a dose of 100 mg/kg was infused intracavally in 9 anaesthetised, mechanically ventilated, and haemodynamically monitored pigs; 9 control pigs received saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Central haemodynamics, blood gases, catalytic activity of phospholipase A2. RESULTS: In the fat embolism group, there were significant increases in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (p < 0.001), pulmonary vascular resistance (p < 0.001) and pulmonary shunting (p < 0.05) and simultaneously, systemic oxygenation was significantly impaired. The animals with fat embolism developed gradual fever and leucocytosis, whereas the catalytic activity of phospholipase A2 remained relatively unchanged. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model the measurement of serum phospholipase A2 activity does not provide a useful tool for the early detection of experimental fat embolism.
