The Effectiveness of Prone Positioning in Improving Oxygenation and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A Quantitative Study

Authors

Ali H. Alshehri, Mohammed H. Alotaibi, Rami H. Alkhalid, Yasser A. Alsuaibi, Abdulmajeed H. Alanazi

Abstract

Background: Prone positioning is a therapeutic intervention used in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) to improve oxygenation and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of prone positioning in improving oxygenation and clinical outcomes in ARDS patients.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the ICU of specialized military hospital . Fifty patients with moderate to severe ARDS were included. Prone positioning was performed according to a standardized protocol. Outcome measures included changes in PaO2/FiO2 ratio, ICU mortality, ventilator-free days, and ICU length of stay.

Results: Prone positioning led to a significant improvement in oxygenation, with an increase in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio from baseline to after 16 hours of prone positioning (p < 0.001). Clinical outcomes included an ICU mortality rate of 28%, a median ICU length of stay of 12 days, and a median ventilator-free days of 12 at day 28.

Conclusion: Prone positioning effectively improved oxygenation and was associated with favorable clinical outcomes in ARDS patients. These findings support the use of prone positioning as part of the management strategy for ARDS.

Keywords

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Prone Positioning, Oxygenation, Clinical Outcomes, ICU Mortality, Ventilator-Free Days

The Effectiveness of Prone Positioning in Improving Oxygenation and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A Quantitative Study. Ali H. Alshehri, Mohammed H. Alotaibi, Rami H. Alkhalid, Yasser A. Alsuaibi, Abdulmajeed H. Alanazi. 2022. IJIRCT, Volume 8, Issue 1. Pages 1-6. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2406049