Respiratory failure associated with fat embolism is a major cause of death but is usually self-limited and is responsive to treatment. Monitoring of blood gas is required for early diagnosis, and respiratory support treatment with continued monitoring is necessary until resolution. There is insufficient controlled clinical experience to confirm the probable value of parenteral steroids in the treatment program. Adequate clinical or laboratory support is lacking for the use of alcohol, heparin, and low-molecular-weight dextran.