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The effects of long-term prone positioning in patients with trauma-induced adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Prone positioning improves gas exchange in some patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the effects of repeated, long-term prone positioning (20 h duration) have never been evaluated systemically. We therefore investigated 20 patients with ARDS after multiple trauma (Injury Severity Score [ISS] 27.3 +/- 10, ARDS score 2.84 +/- 0.42). Patients who fulfilled the entry criteria (bilateral diffuse infiltrates, severe hypoxemia, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure [PAOP] < 18 mm Hg, and PaO2/fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2] < 200 mm Hg at inverse ratio ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP] > 8 mm Hg for more than 24 h) were turned to the prone position at noon and were turned back to the supine position at 8:00 AM on the next day. Thus only two turns per day were necessary, and the risk of disconnecting airways or medical lines was minimized. Prone positioning was repeated for another 20 h if the patients fulfilled the entry criteria. Except for FIO2, the ventilator settings remained unchanged during the study period. All patients were sedated and, if needed paralyzed to minimize patient discomfort. One hour before and after each position change, ventilator settings and pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics were recorded and blood was obtained for blood gas analysis. Derived cardiopulmonary and ventilatory variables were calculated using standard formulas. Overall mortality was 10%. Oxygenation variables improved significantly each time the patients were placed prone. Immediately after the first turn from the supine to the prone position the following changes were observed: PaO2 increased from 97 +/- 4 to 152 +/- 15 mm Hg, intrapulmonary shunt (Qva/Qt) decreased from 30.3 +/- 2.3 to 25.5 +/- 1.8, and the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference decreased from 424 +/- 24 to 339 +/- 25 mm Hg. All these changes were statistically significant. Most of these improvements were lost when the patients were turned supine, but could be reproduced when prone positioning was repeated after a short period (4 h) in the supine position. Short periods in the supine position were necessary to allow for nursing care, medical evaluation, and interventions such as placement of central lines. No position-dependent changes of systemic hemodynamic variables were observed. We conclude that, in trauma patients with ARDS undergoing long-term positioning treatment, lung function improves significantly during prone position compared to short phases of conventional supine position during which the beneficial effects are partly lost.

Adult↗

Alveolar recruitment during prone position: time matters.

Alveolar recruitment is one of the beneficial effects of prone positioning in patients with ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome). However, responses vary among patients and, therefore, we hypothesized that alveolar recruitment is an individual time-dependent process and its measurement might be helpful to 'dose' prone positioning individually. In 13 patients diagnosed with ARDS, EELV (end-expiratory lung volume) was measured in the supine position, immediately after turning to the prone position, at 1, 2, 4 and 8 h in the prone position and after returning to the supine position. Responders were defined based on a 30% increase in oxygenation. EELV increased in responders, whereas it remained constant in non-responders. The time course was different in individual patients. In some responders, a plateau was reached as early as 2-4 h, whereas, in others, 8 h of prone positioning was not sufficient to allow complete recruitment. The increase in lung volume was associated with both an increase in arterial oxygenation and a decrease in venous admixture. Furthermore, responders had significantly lower baseline EELVs than non-responders. In conclusion, alveolar recruitment during prone positioning has been characterized as an individual time-dependent process. Its measurement might be useful to apply prone positioning more individually and might also help to identify responders.

Adult↗

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 27 consecutive patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the prone position for anterior release and discectomy. OBJECTIVES: To convey the benefits and safety of this new technique for treating spinal deformities through VATS. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: All reports using VATS for spinal deformities describe the patient in the lateral position. This is the first study to demonstrate the benefits and safety of the prone position. METHODS: The patient is positioned prone, prepared, and draped allowing room for lateral portals on the convexity of the curve. Traditionally, a double-lumen endotracheal tube is used to deflate the ipsilateral lung. Prone positioning eliminates this need, because gravity aids in retraction of the lung. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully performed using the VATS technique with the patient prone. After the anterior release and discectomy, posterior instrumentation (n = 27), costoplasty (n = 16), and fusion (n = 27) were performed. The time (n = 20) and blood loss (n = 16) for the anterior approach averaged 129 +/- 35 minutes and 221 +/- 231 mL, respectively. The mean number of disks resected was 3.3 +/- 0.7 (range, 2-5). CONCLUSION: The prone position is both safe and effective for VATS when treating spinal deformity. The current results confirm that there is no need to insert a double-lumen tube, there is gravity-assisted correction of kyphosis when the patient is prone, and significant operative time is saved with the elimination of repositioning and redraping before the posterior procedure. Surgical times and blood loss compare very favorably with those reported for VATS in the lateral position.

Adolescent↗

Can the tomographic aspect characteristics of patients presenting with acute respiratory distress syndrome predict improvement in oxygenation-related response to the prone position?

BACKGROUND: In some patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, the prone position is able to improve oxygenation, whereas in others it is not. It could be hypothesized that the more opacities that are present in dependent regions of the lung when the patient is in the supine position, the better the improvement in oxygenation is observed when the patients are turned prone. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study to identify computed tomographic scan aspects that could accurately predict who will respond to the prone position. METHODS: We included 46 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (31 responders and 15 nonresponders). Computed tomographic scan was performed in the 6-h period preceding prone position. Blood gas analyses were performed before and at the end of the first 6-h period of prone position. RESULTS: Arterial oxygen partial pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen increased from 117 +/- 42 (mean +/- SD) in the supine position to 200 +/- 76 mmHg in the prone position (P < 0.001). There were 31 responders and 15 nonresponders. There was a vertebral predominance of the opacities (P < 0.0001). However, there was no difference between responders and nonresponders. When only the amount of consolidated lung located under the heart was evaluated, there was more consolidated tissue under the heart relative to total lung area in nonresponders than in responders (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There are no distinctive morphologic features in the pattern of lung disease measured by computed tomographic scanning performed with the patient in the supine position that can predict response to the prone position.

Aged↗

The effect of the prone position on pulmonary mechanics is frame-dependent.

UNLABELLED: By compressing the abdomen and restricting chest wall movement, the prone position compromises pulmonary compliance. For spine surgery, placing the anesthetized patient into the prone position increases the risk of improper ventilation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the compromise in pulmonary compliance is related to the patient's body habitus and the surgical frame used to support the patient while in the prone position. Seventy-seven adult patients were divided into three groups according to body mass index: normal (n = 36) < or = 27 kg/m2, heavy (n = 21) 28-31 kg/m2, and obese (n = 20) > or = 32 kg/m2. Patients were placed in the prone position supported by chest rolls, a Wilson frame, or the Jackson spinal surgery table (Jackson table) according to the surgeon's preferences. Peak airway pressure (at the proximal endotracheal tube), pleural pressure (esophageal balloon), and mean arterial pressure were recorded in the supine position and prone position within 15 min of the turn. Dynamic mean (+/- SD) pulmonary compliance (mL/cm H2O) decreased when turning from the supine to the prone position in all three body mass groups when using chest rolls (normal 37+/-5 to 29+/-6; heavy 43+/-2 to 34+/-4; obese 42+/-8 to 32+/-6) or the Wilson frame (normal 39+/-6 to 32+/-7; heavy 43+/-16 to 34+/-10; obese 36+/-11 to 28+/-9). The dynamic pulmonary compliance was not altered in patients positioned on the Jackson table. Regardless of body habitus, using the Jackson table for prone positioning was not associated with a significant alteration in pulmonary or hemodynamic variables. We conclude that moving patients from the supine to the prone position during anesthesia results in a decrease in pulmonary compliance that is frame-dependent but that is not affected by body habitus. IMPLICATIONS: We hypothesized that compromise in pulmonary compliance in the prone position is related to the patient's body mass index and the surgical frame used. In this study, we demonstrated that prone positioning during anesthesia results in a decrease in pulmonary compliance that is frame-dependent but that is not affected by body mass index.

Female↗

Prone positioning in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Prone positioning is a technique used to treat patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Nurses are ideally placed to initiate and manage prone positioning. This article examines the aetiology of ARDS and how nurses can identify this condition. Patient groups that benefit most from prone positioning are considered as well as the research evidence on the use of prone positioning in the treatment of ARDS. This article addresses nurse involvement in delivering therapy and suggests that nurses alert members of the multidisciplinary team to the possible use of this therapy.

Humans↗

Postoperative prone position management of tetralogy of fallot with absent pulmonary valve syndrome.

Tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve syndrome is commonly associated with respiratory failure both before and after surgery. This report describes our experience using prone positioning with bilateral pillows to avoid compression of the anterior chest wall after surgery. In the case here, the patient's respiratory distress was improved by this positioning. Prone position and avoiding anterior chest compression has an effect on severe respiratory distress of tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Why the prone position is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The laryngeal chemoreflex may explain why prone sleeping increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Swallowing and arousal are crucial to prevent laryngeal chemoreflex stimulation. Our aim was to examine these reflexes and breathing responses in healthy neonates after pharyngeal infusion of water in the supine versus the prone position, controlling for sleep state. METHODS: A total of 10 term infants were recruited after parental consent and ethics approval. Polygraphic recordings included sleep state (active and quiet sleep by electroencephalogram, eye movements, breathing, and behavior), cardiorespiratory measurements (nasal airflow, chest wall movements, heart rate, and oxygen saturation), swallowing, and esophageal activity (solid state pressure catheter). Initial sleeping position was assigned randomly. Measurements were made for 1 minute before and after 0.4 mL of water was instilled into the oropharynx. To detect a 30% decrease in swallowing, power analysis indicated that >/=10 babies were required. Analysis, blinded to position, was made using nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: Of the 164 infusions, the most commonly evoked airway protective responses to pharyngeal infusion were swallowing (95%) and arousal (54%). After infusion in active sleep, there was a significant reduction in swallowing and breathing when the prone position was compared with the supine position (prone: 21.3 [1.0] swallows/min and -9.6 [2.1] breaths/min; and supine: 32 (2.2) and -2. 9 (1.5), respectively). However, there was no difference in the occurrence of arousal after water infusion. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that airway protection is compromised in the prone sleeping position during active sleep, even in healthy infants exposed to minute pharyngeal fluid volumes of 0.4 mL. This is because swallowing rate is reduced significantly, and there is no compensatory increase in arousal. The reduction in airway protective reflexes when in the prone position and in active sleep may be the mechanism for the increased risk of SIDS in the prone position.

Arousal↗

Combined effects of prone positioning and airway pressure release ventilation on gas exchange in patients with acute lung injury.

BACKGROUND: Prone positioning has been shown to improve oxygenation in 60-70% of patients with acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Another way to improve matching of ventilation to perfusion is the use of partial ventilatory support. Preserving spontaneous breathing during mechanical ventilation has been shown to improve oxygenation in comparison with controlled mechanical ventilation. However, no randomized studies are available exploring the effects of preserved spontaneous breathing on gas exchange in combination with prone positioning. Our aim was to determine whether the response of oxygenation to the prone position differs between pressure-controlled synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation with pressure support (SIMV-PC/PS) and airway pressure release ventilation with unsupported spontaneous breathing (APRV). METHODS: We undertook a prospective randomized intervention study in a medical-surgical adult intensive care unit of a university hospital. Of 45, 33 ALI patients (acute lung injury) within 72 h after initiation of mechanical ventilation, and in whom the prone position was applied according to a predefined strategy, were included in the study. After initial stabilization the patients were randomized to receive either SIMV-PC/PS or APRV with predefined general ventilatory goals (PEEP, tidal volume, inspiratory pressure and PaCO2-level). The protocol for prone positioning was the same for both treatment arms. Prone positioning was triggered by finding a PaO2/FiO2-ratio below 200 mmHg evaluated twice per day. The duration of each prone episode was 6 h. RESULTS: The first two episodes of prone positioning were analyzed. Gas exchange was measured before and at the end of prone positioning. Of the 45 patients enrolled, 33 were turned prone once and 28 twice. No significant differences were detected in baseline characteristics. Changes in oxygenation were analyzed in response to the first and second prone episodes 5 h and 24 h after randomization and initiation of SIMV-PC/PS or APRV respectively. Before the first prone episode the PaO2/FiO2-ratio was significantly better (P = 0.02) in the APRV-group (median; interquartile range) (162; 108-192 mmHg) than in the SIMV-PC/PS-group (123; 78-154 mmHg). The response in oxygenation to the first prone episode was similar in both groups: PaO2/FiO2-ratio increased 39.5; 17.75-77.5 mmHg in the SIMV-PC/PS-group and 75.0; 9.0-125.0 mmHg in the APRV-group (P = 0.49). Before the second prone episode, the PaO2/FiO2-ratio was comparable (SIMV-PC/PS 130.5; 61.0-161.0 mmHg vs. APRV 134; 98.3-175.0 mmHg). Improvement in oxygenation was significantly (P = 0.02) greater in the APRV group (82; 37.0-141.0 mmHg) than in the SIMV-PC/PS group (50; 24.0-68.8 mmHg) during the second prone episode. General ventilatory and hemodynamic variables and use of sedatives were similar in both groups during the study. CONCLUSIONS: APRV during prone positioning is feasible in the treatment of ALI patients. APRV after 24 h appears to enhance improvement in oxygenation in response to prone positioning.

Adult↗

Cephalad movement of endotracheal tubes caused by prone positioning pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that prone positioning of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome results in significant cephalad movement of their endotracheal tubes (ETT). DESIGN: A retrospective review of chest radiographs and patient information. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit of a children's hospital. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome had digital chest radiographs performed before and immediately after prone positioning as per our routine practice. Based on measurements of the length of the thoracic trachea and the length of the thoracic segment of the ETT, the movement of the ETT subsequent to prone positioning was calculated. Fifteen pairs of radiographs of 14 consecutive patients were evaluated. There were seven girls and seven boys, with ages ranging from 2 months to 18 yrs. All patients had a cephalad movement of their ETT ranging from 10% to 57% of their thoracic tracheal length (p < .001) associated with prone positioning. The mean amplitude of this movement was 34% +/- 16%, indicating that if the tip of the ETT is not deeper than one third of the thoracic tracheal length before prone positioning, it might slide into the cervical trachea as a result of this procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Prone positioning results in cephalad movement of ETT within the trachea. The tip of the ETT should be deeper than one third of the total length of the thoracic trachea before prone positioning to prevent it from moving into the cervical trachea. When prone positioning is done with an ETT originally not deeper than one third of the thoracic trachea, obtaining a chest radiograph immediately after prone positioning is important to determine whether the ETT remained safely situated in the trachea.

Adolescent↗

Effect of the prone position on patients with hydrostatic pulmonary edema compared with patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis.

This study examined the effect of the prone position on mechanically ventilated patients with hydrostatic pulmonary edema (HPE). Eight patients with acute HPE and mechanically ventilated in the prone position (Group 1) were studied. Six patients with acute HPE and mechanically ventilated in the supine position (Group 2), 20 patients with ARDS (Group 3), and 5 patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) (Group 4) served as control patients. Patients with HPE, who after being mechanically ventilated for at least 6 h needed an FI(O(2)) >/= 0.6 to achieve an Sa(O(2)) of approximately 90%, and did not respond to recruitment maneuvers, were turned to the prone position. Parameters of oxygenation, lung mechanics, and hemodynamics were determined in both the supine and prone positions. All patients with HPE exhibited improvement of oxygenation when they were placed in the prone position. The Pa(O(2))/FI(O(2)) ratio increased from 72 +/- 16 in the supine position to 208 +/- 61 after 6 h in the prone position (p < 0.001); the rise in Pa(O(2)) was persistent, without detrimental effect on hemodynamics. Fifteen of 20 patients with ARDS (75%) improved oxygenation when in the prone position. The Pa(O(2))/FI(O(2)) ratio increased from 83 +/- 14 in the supine position to 189 +/- 34 after 6 h in the prone position (p < 0.001). In contrast, 5 of 20 patients with ARDS (25%) and none of the patients with PF responded favorably to prone positioning. Patients with HPE and early ARDS responded better to prone positioning than did patients with late ARDS and PF. Patients with HPE and ventilated in the supine position had a lower Pa(O(2))/FI(O(2)) ratio and the duration of mechanical ventilation was longer compared with that of patients in the prone position. Our results show that the prone position may be a useful maneuver in treating patients with severe hypoxemia due to pulmonary edema. The presence of pulmonary edema, as in early ARDS and HPE predicts a beneficial effect of the prone position on gas exchange. In contrast, the presence of fibrosis, as in late ARDS and pulmonary fibrosis, predisposes to nonresponsiveness to prone positioning.

Adolescent↗

[The prone position in ARDS. A successful therapeutic strategy].

As early as 1974, Brian advocated the prone position for ventilated patients. He suggested that this position might enhance ventilation of the dorsal parts of the lungs, thereby improving oxygenation. These considerations have been confirmed by several experimental and clinical studies. Better secretion removal, decreased intrapulmonary shunting, and an increased FRC are thought to be responsible for the observed improvement of oxygenation. However, the prone position never became very popular in the clinical treatment of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Routine performance of thoracic CT scans in ARDS patients demonstrated preferential distribution of pathological densities in the dependent lung areas. The prone position therefore could possibly benefit these patients, as shown by two recent studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of repeatedly turning the patient to the prone position on gas exchange and thoracic CT findings in multiple-trauma patients. METHODS. Seven ventilated intensive care patients with severe ARDS (Murray Score > 2.5, Quotient > 0.7, mean airway pressure > 18 cm H2O, thoracic CT scan showing dorsal atelectases) were included in the study. Patients were turned from the supine to the prone position at 12-h intervals using an air-cushion bed (Mediscus, Austria). Redistribution of dystelectatic or atelectatic dependent lung areas was verified by means of repeated thoracic CT scans (Figs. 1, 8). RESULTS. The patients were intermittently turned for 6.5 +/- 1.1 days. The course of gas exchange is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Initially, improvement of the respiratory quotient could only be achieved during prone positioning, from the 2nd day in the supine position as well. Intrapulmonary shunting showed a similar trend (Figs. 4 and 5). No significant changes in cardiovascular parameters could be observed. Control thoracic CT scans showed uniform reduction of atelectases in dependent lung areas (Figs. 1 and 8). The inspiratory fraction of oxygen could be reduced significantly as of the 2nd day (Fig. 7). Constant levels of positive end-expiratory pressure and tidal volume were associated with decreasing mean and plateau airway pressures (Fig. 6). DISCUSSION. Repeatedly turning the patient to the prone position produced long-lasting improvement of arterial oxygenation, which persists up to the end of the weaning process. This is in good accordance with other studies, however, this is the first study to report an observation period of more than 6 days of repeatedly turning the patient. These positive effects on gas exchange can be attributed to sudden improvement of the ventilation-perfusion ratio within the lung areas that become dependent after turning to the prone position. Due to reduced hydrostatic pressure and relative hyperventilation, previously collapsed alveoli are recruited in the lung areas that become non-dependent after turning to the prone position.

Adult↗

[Prone position favors motor development of infants].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the motor development in infants sleeping in the supine position compared to infants sleeping in the prone position, and to compare the levels of motor development of infants playing only in the supine position and of infants playing in the prone position as well. DESIGN: Prospective blinded comparing study. SETTING: Department of Physical Therapy, Maasziekenhuis, Boxmeer, the Netherlands. METHODS: Various measuring instruments were used in the home environment to determine the levels of motor development at the age of 5 months of 21 healthy infants born at term selected from a group of 160 infants attending the infant welfare clinic. RESULTS: Infants sleeping in the prone position (n = 8) showed a higher motor development than infants sleeping in the supine position (n = 13). Infants playing in the prone and supine position (n = 5) had a higher motor development than infants who played exclusively in the supine position (n = 15). CONCLUSION: Sleeping and playing in the prone position was accompanied by a higher motor development in healthy mature-born infants at the age of 5 months.

Child Development↗

Improvement in oxygenation by prone position and nitric oxide in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) and prone position improve arterial oxygenation in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome. This study was undertaken to assess the combined effects of NO and prone position in these patients. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: General intensive care service in a community teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 14 mechanically ventilated adult patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (mean lung injury score 3.23+/-0.27). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We measured hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters in the supine position and 2 h later in the prone position, before and during inhalation of 10 ppm NO. A positive response in oxygenation was defined as a > or =20% increment in the arterial oxygen tension/fractional inspired oxygen ratio (PaO2/FIO2). In the prone position PaO2/FIO2 increased significantly (from 110+/-55 to 161+/-89 mm Hg, p<0.01) and venous admixture decreased (from 38+/-12 to 30+/-7%, p<0.01) compared to the supine position. Ten of the 14 patients were responders in the prone position. In the supine position, inhalation of NO improved oxygenation to a lesser extent, increasing PaO2/FIO2 to 134+/-64 mm Hg (p<0.01) and decreasing venous admixture to 35+/-12%, (p<0.01). Five of the 14 patients responded to NO inhalation supine and 8 of 14 responded prone (p = 0.22). The combination of NO therapy and prone positioning was additive in increasing PaO2/FIO2 (197+/-92 mm Hg) and decreasing venous admixture (27+/-8%) (p<0.01). This combination also showed a positive oxygenation response on compared to the supine value without NO in 13 of the 14 patients (93 %). NO-induced changes in PaO2/FIO2 were correlated to changes in pulmonary vascular resistance only in the prone position. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome, the combination of NO and prone position is a valuable adjunct to mechanical ventilation.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Prone positioning and inhaled nitric oxide: synergistic therapies for acute respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled nitric oxide (INO) and prone positioning have both been advocated as methods to improve oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study was designed to evaluate the relative contributions of INO and prone positioning alone and in combination on gas exchange in trauma patients with ARDS. METHODS: Sixteen patients meeting the consensus definition of ARDS were studied. Patients received mechanical ventilation in the supine position, mechanical ventilation plus INO at 1 part per million in the supine position, mechanical ventilation in the PP, and mechanical ventilation in the prone positioning plus INO at 1 part per million. A stabilization period of 1 hour was allowed at each condition. After stabilization,hemodynamic and gas exchange variables were measured. RESULTS: INO and prone positioning both increased PaO2/FIO2 compared with ventilation in the supine position. PaO2/FIO2 increased by 14% during use of INO, and 10 of 16 patients (62%) responded to INO in the supine position. PaO2/FIO2 increased by 33%, and 14 of 16 patients (87.5%) responded to the prone position. The combination of INO and prone positioning resulted in an improvement in PaO2/FIO2 in 15 of 16 patients(94%), with a mean increase in PaO2/FIO2 of 59%. Pulmonary vascular resistance was reduced during use of INO, with a greater reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance seen with INO plus prone positioning (175 +/- 36 dynes x s/cm5 vs. 134 +/- 28 dynes x s/cm5) compared with INO in the supine position (164 +/- 48 dynes x s/cm5 vs.138 +/- 44 dynes x s/cm5). There were no significant hemodynamic effects of INO or prone positioning and no complications were seen during this relative short duration of study. CONCLUSIONS: INO and prone positioning can contribute to improved oxygenation in patients with ARDS. The two therapies in combination are synergistic and may be important adjuncts to mechanical ventilation in the ARDS patient with refractory hypoxemia.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Prone positioning does not affect cannula function during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or continuous renal replacement therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Prone positioning in respiratory failure has been shown to be a useful adjunct in the treatment of severe hypoxia. However, the prone position can result in dislodgment or malfunction of tubes and cannulae. Certain patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may also benefit from positional therapy. The impact of cannula-related complications in these patients is potentially disastrous. The safety and efficacy of prone positioning of these patients has not been previously reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review evaluated ECMO or CRRT cannula location, and displacement or malfunction during positional change or while prone. The study was set in a General Surgery and Trauma Intensive Care Unit. The subjects were all patients at our institution who simultaneously underwent ECMO or CRRT and prone positioning from July 1996 to July 2001. There were no interventions. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent ECMO and 42 patients underwent CRRT during the study period. Seven patients underwent simultaneous prone positioning and either ECMO (4/10) or CRRT (4/42). A total of 68 turning events (prone to supine or supine to prone) were recorded, with each patient averaging 9.7 (range, 4-16) turning episodes. Turning was performed with sheets and extra nursing personnel; no special mechanical assist devices were used. No patients experienced inadvertent cannula removal during turning. Two patients had poor flow through their cannulae. In one patient, this occurred in the supine position and required repositioning of the cannula. In the second patient, cannulae were changed twice and flow was poor in both the supine and the prone positions. All ECMO and CRRT patients received venous cannulae. Cannula location (seven internal jugular and 11 femoral) did not the affect risk of malfunction. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Patients with venous cannulae for ECMO or CRRT can be safely placed in the prone position. Flow rates are maintained in this position. Potential cannula complications of ECMO and CRRT are not a contraindication to prone positioning in severely ill patients.

Adult↗

[Useful tools for prone position: ProneView and OPTI-GARD].

For prone position except for neurosurgery or cervical spinal surgery, head and neck are usually turned sideways on the pillow. This position has a risk of injuries to eyes, nose, lips, ears, or facial nerve and inducing neck pain after surgery. We introduce new tools to avoid these complications from prone position. The ProneView consists of a plastic helmet with a window for eyes, nose and mouth, a sponge to fit the face attached to the helmet, and a mirror to watch eyes, nose and lips. The OPTI-GARD is the glasses made by a sponge with a plastic windows to protect eyes. Using the ProneView and the OPTI-GARD together, patient's neck and head can be kept at neutral position with eyes, nose, lips, and ears being kept free from any pressure. In addition, we can check the position of the face easily by mirror. Therefore, the ProneView and the OPTI-GARD must be useful to decrease injuries to eyes, nose, lips, ears, and facial nerve, and neck pain in prone position.

Eye Protective Devices↗

Prone positioning improves pulmonary function in obese patients during general anesthesia.

We investigated the effects of prone position on functional residual capacity (FRC), the mechanical properties (compliance and resistance) of the total respiratory system, lung and chest wall, and the gas exchange in 10 anesthetized and paralyzed obese (body mass index more than 30 kg/m2) patients, undergoing elective surgery. We used the esophageal balloon technique together with rapid airway occlusions during constant inspiratory flow to partition the mechanics of the respiratory system into its pulmonary and chest wall components. FRC was measured by the helium dilution technique. Measurements were taken in the supine position and after 15-30 min of prone position maintaining the same respiratory pattern (tidal volume 12 mL/kg ideal body weight, respiratory rate 14 breaths/ min, fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2]0.4). We found that FRC and lung compliance significantly (P < 0.01) increased from the supine to prone position (0.894 +/- 0.327 L vs 1.980 +/- 0.856 L and 91.4 +/- 55.2 mL/cm H2O vs 109.6 +/- 52.4 mL/cm H2O, respectively). On the contrary, the prone position reduced chest wall compliance (199.5 +/- 58.7 mL/cm H2O vs 160.5 +/- 45.4 mL/cm H2O, P < 0.01), thus total respiratory system compliance did not change. Resistance of the total respiratory system, lung, and chest wall were not modified on turning the patients prone. The increase in FRC and lung compliance was paralleled by a significant (P < 0.01) improvement of PaO2 from supine to prone position (130 +/- 31 vs 181 +/- 28 mm Hg, P < 0.01), while PaCO2 was unchanged. We conclude that, in anesthetized and paralyzed obese subjects, the prone position improves pulmonary function, increasing FRC, lung compliance, and oxygenation.

Anesthesia, General↗