Gurd and Wilson criteria for fat embolism syndrome

The Gurd and Wilson criteria is a clinical calculator used for diagnosing Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES). This scoring system is applicable to patients who have experienced long bone fractures, orthopedic surgeries, or severe burns, as these are common situations where fat embolism can occur. The Gurd and Wilson criteria for FES is a diagnostic tool that helps clinicians identify the presence of this syndrome based on a combination of major and minor criteria. Major criteria include respiratory insufficiency, cerebral involvement, and petechial rash. Minor criteria include tachycardia, fever, retinal changes, jaundice, renal changes, and others. The clinical utility of this calculator is to aid in the early diagnosis of FES, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It helps to differentiate FES from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as pneumonia or stroke. There are no specific exclusion criteria for the use of the Gurd and Wilson criteria. However, it should be noted that this scoring system is not definitive and should be used in conjunction with other clinical findings and diagnostic tests.

Reference

Nissar Shaikh. Emergency management of fat embolism syndrome. J Emerg Trauma Shock. 2009 Jan;2(1):29-33.