Continuous lateral rotation therapy - a review.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the current evidence, benefits and drawbacks for the use of continuous lateral replacement therapy in the treatment and prevention of nosocomial infections in the ventilated patient.
The acquisition of nosocomial infections and the development of pressure sores continue to be major issues in the care of the critically ill, ventilated patient. The use of continuous lateral rotation therapy (CLRT) as an adjunct in the prevention and treatment of pneumonia has increased in popularity in recent years. A number of institutions routinely advocate the use of CLRT in critically ill patients.


CONCLUSIONS
While there is some data to suggest that CLRT may have an impact on prevention of and treatment for nosocomial infections acquired by ventilated patients, there still remains insufficient evidence to its inclusion as a fully validated treatment. Clearly, there is a requirement for more robust, in-depth research into the efficacy of this proposed treatment.
Department of Skills and Simulation, Faculty of Health, Birmingham City University, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK. stephen.wanless@bcu.ac.uk
Stephen
S
Wanless
Matthew
M
Aldridge
D001513:Beds; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015915:Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive / Q000379:methods*; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D053717:Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D012399:Rotation