Prone position for ventilation in patients with severe adult respiratory distress syndrome.
We report 3 cases of severe adult respiratory distress syndrome. The patients were very difficult to oxygenate, even with the most advanced conventional mechanical ventilation techniques. In all cases oxygenation improved dramatically when the patient was turned to the prone position. Reports of the use of the prone position for ventilation are scanty, and this is the first time it has been reported in this country. The proposed mechanisms for its effectiveness are reviewed.
Surgical Intensive Care Unit, University of Cape Town.
J S
JS
Turner
G
G
Smith
D
D
Theunissen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008100:Liver Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D019283:Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / Q000150:complications; D016684:Prone Position; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation / Q000502:physiology*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications