Prone positioning does not affect survival in patients with ARDS

Excerpt

The exact mechanism by which oxygenation is improved in patients ventilated in a prone position (compared to those ventilated in supine position) is not known but may be due to reductions in ventilation/perfusion (VQ) mismatching and chest wall compliance. Improvement in oxygenation is noted in about 60% of patients; significant numbers sustain improvement after being returned to a supine position. Careful positioning usually requires three to five people. Complications are rare, although hemodynamic instability (1.1% per prone cycle), accidental extubation (0.4%), central line dislodgement (0.4%), pressure ulcers (15%) (see Additional information [1]) have all been reported. …