Effects of the prone position in the treatment of acute respiratory syndrome in patients with COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Objective: To measure the effects of the prone position on ventilatory parame-ters in the treatment of patients with acute respiratory syndrome secondary to COVID-19. Methods: Through a descrip-tive, cross-sectional, prospective study, a sample of 103 patients with acute respira-tory syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19 was studied. The patients were placed in the prone position indefinitely and clinical ventilatory pa-rameters were monitored such as blood pressure oxygen (PaO2), oxygen saturation (SatO2) and relationship between partial pressure of oxy-gen and inspired fraction of oxygen (PaO2/FiO2). Results: The concentration of FiO2 decreased from 100% in the su-pine position to 69% in the prone position, the PaO2/FiO2 increased from 74 to 122 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), the basal PaO2 was recorded at 51 mmHg and after the change in position it was of 89 mmHg, also the SatO2 improved from 84% to 93%. Conclusions: The prone position can significantly improve the PaO2, SatO2 values, as well as the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and in general, the clinical status of the patient with ARDS.