European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: There are various studies that suggest that short term and early prone positioning can increase PaO2/FiO2 in moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The aim of our study was to observe the effect of prone position on oxygenation status in spontaneously breathing non intubated covid19 patients on either non rebreathing mask (NRBM) or on noninvasive ventilation (NIV).
Aims: To observe the effect of prone position along with oxygen therapy (NIV or NRBM) on oxygenation in spontaneously breathing none intubated covid19 patient.
Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was performed in a covid19 intensive care unit (ICU) at tertiary care hospital for the period of two months. Non-intubated confirmed RTPCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) positive covid19 patients were included and observed who were placed in prone position with NIV BIPAP (Bi level positive airway pressure) or with NRBM by ICU consultant. Primary outcome was oxygenation status from Pao2/fio2 ratio from arterial blood gas analysis. Secondary outcome was hemodynamic parameter and any adverse effect occurred during prone positioning. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and P value of Pao2/Fio2 ratio of before and after prone position, less than 0.05 considered significant.
Results: We observed among our study participants significant improvement of PaO2/FiO2 ratio in both group of patients.
Conclusions: Early use of prone position improved oxygenation in majority of our patients in short periods of time in both NIV and NRBM group of patients.