This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of the prone position onoxygen saturation, arterial blood gas parameters, and respiratory rate in intensive carepatients diagnosed with COVID-19-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Atotal of 90 patients (45 in the prone positioning group and 45 in the control group) wereincluded. The intervention group received a 30-minute prone positioning procedure, whilethe control group received standard ICU care. Data were collected using a DemographicInformation Form and clinical monitoring of respiratory and blood gas parameters acrosssix time points over two days.
This randomized controlled trial investigated the short-term physiological effects of
prone positioning in intubated intensive care patients diagnosed with COVID-19-induced
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). A total of 90 patients were included, with 45
in the experimental group and 45 in the control group. Patients in the experimental group
were placed in the prone position for 30 minutes on two consecutive days, while the
control group received standard ICU care without prone positioning.
Oxygen saturation (SpO₂, SaO₂), arterial blood gas parameters (PO₂, PCO₂, pH, lactate,
sodium), and respiratory rate were measured at six time points to evaluate the
effectiveness of the intervention. The study was conducted in the general and
intermediate intensive care units of a public hospital in eastern Turkey, which was
designated as a COVID-19 treatment center during the pandemic.
The study's primary objective was to determine whether prone positioning could improve
oxygenation and respiratory efficiency in critically ill patients with COVID-19-related
ARDS. Secondary outcomes included changes in blood gas and metabolic parameters. The
results suggested that prone positioning had a beneficial impact on oxygen saturation and
respiratory rate without causing adverse changes in blood gas chemistry. The study was
ethically approved and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Procedure: Prone Position
Patients assigned to the Prone Position Group were placed in the prone position (lying
face down) for 30 minutes once daily over two consecutive days while hospitalized in the
ICU for COVID-19-induced ARDS. The intervention was performed between 12:30 and 13:00
under nurse supervision. Oxygen saturation, blood gas parameters (SaO₂, PO₂, PCO₂, pH,
lactate, sodium), and respiratory rate were measured before and after each prone
positioning session. The procedure was standardized across patients and no additional
treatments were introduced during the intervention period.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 40 years or older
- Admission to an intensive care unit (ICU)
- Confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19
- Developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19
- Intubated at the time of enrollment
- Provided informed verbal and written consent (or consent provided by legal
representative)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant hearing or vision impairments affecting communication
- Cognitive impairment or inability to understand instructions
- Patient died during the course of the study
- Early discharge from intensive care before completion of all measurements
- Non-intubated patients whose level of consciousness could not be monitored
Diyarbakır Provincial Health Directorate, 21000, Diyarbakır, Turkey
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Not Provided