Early Prone Positioning Research Articles

Clinical Characteristics, Management, and Outcome of the First 19 Patients With Pneumonia Due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease Treated in an Intensive Care Unit in the Republic of Cyprus.

BackgroundThe widespread reach of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its consequences have severely affected the consistency of healthcare systems around the world and caused millions of deaths to date. Understanding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifestation, progression, and management is crucial for the healthcare personnel caring for COVID-19 patients within the intensive care unit (ICU), as well as for the patients' health progression.MethodsA prospective observational study was used to investigate the progression of critically ill COVID-19 positive patients who were admitted to the ICU of Nicosia General Hospital from March 10 to May 1, 2020. All patients over the age of 18 were included in the study; their data were anonymously collected using the institution’s electronic medical record system and analyzed in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA). Pregnant women, children, and prisoners were excluded.ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 19 patients with a positive result on a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included in the study; 74% were men and their mean age was 64 years. Sixty-three percent of the patients were obese, 53% had a history of confirmed hypertension, 68% were admitted with severe respiratory failure, and all of them required invasive mechanical ventilation. Patients were categorized into four groups of ventilation based on the H or L ventilation phenotype in association with co-morbidities. Prone position in the first mechanical ventilation days was found to be more advantageous in L than H phenotype patients, 68% required vasopressor support, and 42% developed acute kidney injury (AKI) during their ICU stay. Diarrhea was with a median day of onset of eight days. Lactate levels above 2 mmol/L in the first four days of admission were correlated with a negative outcome. Nine patients (47%) were successfully discharged from the ICU while 10 (53%) died during their stay.ConclusionIn critically ill patients, male gender and obesity are significant risk factors for ICU admission due to COVID-19, and early prone position, mechanical ventilation, and low positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) values may be beneficial, especially in the L phenotype category patients. Patients' ventilation phenotype during ICU admission and hospitalization seemed to determine the outcome.Clinical improvement might have been higher and possibly ICU mortality lower if remdesivir was available. Hydroxychloroquine did not seem to improve patient outcomes, a consistent find, as suggested by other studies; on the contrary, it may have contributed to increased mortality rates.

Prone Position in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Study.

Background: The prone position (PP) is increasingly used in mechanically ventilated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. However, studies investigating the influence of the PP are currently lacking in these patients. This is the first study to investigate the influence of the PP on the oxygenation and decarboxylation in COVID-19 patients. Methods: A prospective bicentric study design was used, and in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, PP was indicated from a partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) ratio of <200. Patients were left prone for 16 h each. Pressure levels, FIO2, were adjusted to ensure a PaO2 greater than 60 mmHg. Blood gas analyses were performed before (baseline 0.5 h), during (1/2/5.5/9.5/13 h), and after being in the PP (1 h), the circulatory/ventilation parameters were continuously monitored, and lung compliance (LC) was roughly calculated. Responders were defined compared to the baseline value (PaO2/FIO2 ratio increase of ≥15%; partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) decrease of ≥2%). Results: 13 patients were included and 36 PP sessions were conducted. Overall, PaO2/FIO2 increased significantly in the PP (p < 0.001). Most PaO2/FIO2 responders (29/36 PP sessions, 77%) were identified 9.5 h after turning prone (14% slow responders), while most PaCO2 responders (15/36 PP sessions, 42%) were identified 13 h after turning prone. A subgroup of patients (interval intubation to PP ≥3 days) showed less PaO2/FIO2 responders (16% vs. 77%). An increase in PaCO2 and minute ventilation in the PP showed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.001). LC (median before the PP = 38 mL/cm H2O; two patients with LC >80 mL/cm H2O) showed a significant positive correlation with the 28 day survival of patients (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The PP significantly improves oxygenation in COVID-19 ARDS patients. The data suggest that they also benefit most from an early PP. A decrease in minute ventilation may result in fewer PaCO2 responders. LC may be a predictive outcome parameter in COVID-19 patients. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.

Early Prone Positioning and Non-Invasive Ventilation in a Critical COVID-19 Subset. A Single Centre Experience in Southern Italy.

Prone positioning (PP) has demonstrated to be a safe adjunctive therapy for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). There is limited evidence of PP effects on awake patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects and feasibility of PP on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated awake patients with ARDS in a subintensive setting of care. This is a single-center case-control study involving patients with severe COVID-19 infection. A total of 29 patients underwent noninvasive ventilation, and PP was initiated 12 h from admission; 18 patients tolerated prone and side positioning for at least 10 h/d and cycled their position every 2 h, and 11 patients had no complaints with PP. A total of 29 patients (25 men and 4 women) with a median age of 64 years showed the average baseline white blood cell count of 8.45×109 cells/L, C-reactive protein of 10.1 mg/L, lactate dehydrogenase of 366 mU/mL, and interleukin-6 of 172 pg/mL. Basal pO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F) was 95 (±56.5) and showed no linear correlation with any of the inflammatory markers tested. Computed tomography findings included ground-glass opacities in 100% (29/29) of patients. Consolidation/atelectasis was found in 58% (17/29) of patients. P/F was homogeneously distributed at baseline in patients with PP (96.5) and without PP (95). P/F during PP increased significantly compared with noncompliant controls (288 vs. 202; p=0.0002). Total duration of respiratory failure was significantly shorter in patients with PP (14 vs. 21 days; p=0.002). The number of days to recover from respiratory failure inversely correlated with PP P/F independently from baseline P/F. COVID-19 can lead to a severe impairment of gas exchange regardless of inflammatory status. Therefore, respiratory support may play a major role in COVID-19 treatment. We documented substantial efficacy of PP when started early and for at least 10 h/d. On awake patients, PP feasibility strictly depends on patient's compliance. The interface should be carefully chosen to best fit every patient.

An early experience on the effect of solid organ transplant status on hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

We compared the outcome of COVID-19 in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant (SOT) patients to a transplant naïve population. In total, 10356 adult hospital admissions for COVID-19 from March 1, 2020 to April 27, 2020 were analyzed. Data were collected on demographics, baseline clinical conditions, medications, immunosuppression, and COVID-19 course. Primary outcome was combined death or mechanical ventilation. We assessed the association between primary outcome and prognostic variables using bivariate and multivariate regression models. We also compared the primary endpoint in SOT patients to an age, gender, and comorbidity-matched control group. Bivariate analysis found transplant status, age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, COPD, and GFR <60mL/min/1.73m2 to be significant predictors of combined death or mechanical ventilation. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, SOT status had a trend toward significance (odds ratio [OR] 1.29; 95% CI 0.99-1.69, p=.06). Compared to an age, gender, and comorbidity-matched control group, SOT patients had a higher combined risk of death or mechanical ventilation (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.03-1.74, p=.027).

A critical COVID-19 patient managed with timely evaluation, early prone positioning ventilation, and a multi-pronged pharmacotherapy

There is not yet a standard drug regimen for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Here, we summarize our experience and successful treatment plan with a critical COVID-19 patient who required mechanical ventilation (MV). A 56-year-old man presented with a fever, cough, and dyspnea. He had not been to a medium/high risk epidemic area in the past year and had no family history of a disease cluster. COVID-19 was suspected based on clinical symptoms and radiologically detected ground-glass lung changes in the context of a normal white blood cell count (WBCC) and lymphocyte fraction (L%). A diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by nucleic acid testing. Initially, he was started on noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Because his respiratory distress worsened over the following 2 h, he was transitioned to mechanical ventilation (MV), placed in prone positioning 12 h/day, and given a multi-pronged pharmacotherapy regimen that included an antiviral cocktail (lopinavir/ritonavir plus α-interferon), an immunity enhancer (thymosin α1), an anti-coagulant to prevent thrombosis (heparin). He was given an antibiotic to treat an opportunistic nosocomial infection. The patient has recovered well. The regimen applied in this case of timely evaluation, early prone positioning with MV, and a multi-pronged pharmacotherapy may be an effective strategy for patients with critical COVID-19, particularly with respect to preventing life-threatening worsening of the illness.

Efficacy of early prone or lateral positioning in patients with severe COVID-19: a single-center prospective cohort.

BackgroundPosition intervention has been shown to improve oxygenation, but its role in non-invasively ventilated patients with severe COVID-19 has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of early position intervention on non-invasively ventilated patients with severe COVID-19.MethodsThis was a single-center, prospective observational study in consecutive patients with severe COVID-19 managed in a provisional ICU at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from 31 January to 15 February 2020. Patients with chest CT showing exudation or consolidation in bilateral peripheral and posterior parts of the lungs were included. Early position intervention (prone or lateral) was commenced for > 4 hours daily for 10 days in these patients, while others received standard care.ResultsThe baseline parameters were comparable between the position intervention group (n = 17) and the standard care group (n = 35). Position intervention was well-tolerated and increased cumulative adjusted mean difference of SpO2/FiO2 (409, 95% CI 86 to 733) and ROX index (26, 95% CI 9 to 43) with decreased Borg scale (−9, 95% CI −15 to −3) during the first 7 days. It also facilitated absorption of lung lesions and reduced the proportion of patients with high National Early Warning Score 2 (≥ 7) on days 7 and 14, with a trend toward faster clinical improvement. Virus shedding and length of hospital stay were comparable between the two groups.ConclusionsThis study provides the first evidence for improved oxygenation and lung lesion absorption using early position intervention in non-invasively ventilated patients with severe COVID-19, and warrants further randomized trials.

Prone Positioning for Pregnant Women With Hypoxemia Due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted expanded use of prone positioning for refractory hypoxemia. Clinical trials have demonstrated beneficial effects of early prone positioning for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including decreased mortality. However, pregnant women were excluded from these trials. To address the need for low-cost, low-harm interventions in the face of a widespread viral syndrome wherein hypoxemia predominates, we developed an algorithm for prone positioning of both intubated and nonintubated pregnant women. This algorithm may be appropriate for a wide spectrum of hypoxemia severity among pregnant women. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is responsible for the clinical manifestations of COVID-19. This syndrome can manifest as severe pneumonia complicated by hypoxemia and ARDS. Given the current global COVID-19 pandemic, with a large number of ARDS cases, there is renewed interest in the use of prone positioning to improve oxygenation in moderate or severe hypoxemia. Among the populations who can benefit from prone positioning are pregnant women experiencing severe respiratory distress, as long as the physiologic changes and risks of pregnancy are taken into account.

Prone and Lateral Positioning in Spontaneously Breathing Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia Undergoing Noninvasive Helmet CPAP Treatment

Prone and Lateral Positioning in Spontaneously Breathing Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia Undergoing Noninvasive Helmet CPAP Treatment

Efficacy and safety of early prone positioning combined with HFNC or NIV in moderate to severe ARDS: a multi-center prospective cohort study

BackgroundPrevious studies suggest that prone positioning (PP) can increase PaO2/FiO2 and reduce mortality in moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The aim of our study was to determine whether the early use of PP combined with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) can avoid the need for intubation in moderate to severe ARDS patients.MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study was performed in two teaching hospitals. Non-intubated moderate to severe ARDS patients were included and were placed in PP with NIV or with HFNC. The efficacy in improving oxygenation with four support methods—HFNC, HFNC+PP, NIV, NIV+PP—were evaluated by blood gas analysis. The primary outcome was the rate of intubation.ResultsBetween January 2018 and April 2019, 20 ARDS patients were enrolled. The main causes of ARDS were pneumonia due to influenza (9 cases, 45%) and other viruses (2 cases, 10%). Ten cases were moderate ARDS and 10 cases were severe. Eleven patients avoided intubation (success group), and 9 patients were intubated (failure group). All 7 patients with a PaO2/FiO2 < 100 mmHg on NIV required intubation. PaO2/FiO2 in HFNC+PP were significantly higher in the success group than in the failure group (125 ± 41 mmHg vs 119 ± 19 mmHg, P = 0.043). PaO2/FiO2 demonstrated an upward trend in patients with all four support strategies: HFNC < HFNC+PP ≤ NIV < NIV+PP. The average duration for PP was 2 h twice daily.ConclusionsEarly application of PP with HFNC, especially in patients with moderate ARDS and baseline SpO2 > 95%, may help avoid intubation. The PP was well tolerated, and the efficacy on PaO2/FiO2 of the four support strategies was HFNC < HFNC+PP ≤ NIV < NIV+PP. Severe ARDS patients were not appropriate candidates for HFNC/NIV+PP.Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR1900023564. Registered 1 June 2019 (retrospectively registered)

Personalised mechanical ventilation tailored to lung morphology versus low positive end-expiratory pressure for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome in France (the LIVE study): a multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial

The effect of personalised mechanical ventilation on clinical outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains uncertain and needs to be evaluated. We aimed to test whether a mechanical ventilation strategy that was personalised to individual patients' lung morphology would improve the survival of patients with ARDS when compared with standard of care. We designed a multicentre, single-blind, stratified, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial enrolling patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS in 20 university or non-university intensive care units in France. Patients older than 18 years with early ARDS for less than 12 h were randomly assigned (1:1) to either the control group or the personalised group using a minimisation algorithm and stratified according to the study site, lung morphology, and duration of mechanical ventilation. Only the patients were masked to allocation. In the control group, patients received a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg per predicted bodyweight and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was selected according to a low PEEP and fraction of inspired oxygen table, and early prone position was encouraged. In the personalised group, the treatment approach was based on lung morphology; patients with focal ARDS received a tidal volume of 8 mL/kg, low PEEP, and prone position. Patients with non-focal ARDS received a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg, along with recruitment manoeuvres and high PEEP. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality as established by intention-to-treat analysis. This study is registered online with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02149589. From June 12, 2014, to Feb 2, 2017, 420 patients were randomly assigned to treatment. 11 patients were excluded in the personalised group and nine patients were excluded in the control group; 196 patients in the personalised group and 204 in the control group were included in the analysis. In a multivariate analysis, there was no difference in 90-day mortality between the group treated with personalised ventilation and the control group in the intention-to-treat analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 1·01; 95% CI 0·61-1·66; p=0·98). However, misclassification of patients as having focal or non-focal ARDS by the investigators was observed in 85 (21%) of 400 patients. We found a significant interaction between misclassification and randomised group allocation with respect to the primary outcome (p<0·001). In the subgroup analysis, the 90-day mortality of the misclassified patients was higher in the personalised group (26 [65%] of 40 patients) than in the control group (18 [32%] of 57 patients; HR 2·8; 95% CI 1·5-5·1; p=0·012. Personalisation of mechanical ventilation did not decrease mortality in patients with ARDS, possibly because of the misclassification of 21% of patients. A ventilator strategy misaligned with lung morphology substantially increases mortality. Whether improvement in ARDS phenotyping can decrease mortality should be assessed in a future clinical trial. French Ministry of Health (Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique InterRégional 2013).

Acute respiratory distress syndrome: prone position ventilation treatment status and renew

The improvement of oxygenation basis on prone positioning in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) includes increased end-expiratory lung volume, improved ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) matching, and drainage of secretions.Randomized controlled trials report that prone position ventilation in patients with ARDS tends to reduce mortality rates, especially when used in conjunction with lung protective strategies and greater prone positioning durations.At present, the available data suggest that early prone positioning may provide benefit to ARDS with severe hypoxemia.keeping in mind that a risk of positioning-related complications will have to be taken into account when weighing the risk to benefit for patient with ARDS.There is still limited information available of prone position ventilation application in pediatric ARDS. Key words: Prone position ventilation; Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Mortality; Child

Too Little Oxygen: Ventilation, Prone Positioning, and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Severe Hypoxemia.

Severe hypoxemia is associated with untoward outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. Nevertheless, in and of itself, correction of hypoxemia is not an adequate surrogate outcome for mortality and clear evidence-based targets for correction of hypoxemia remain to be determined. At present, clinical management is directed toward achieving sufficient oxygenation while minimizing toxicity of ventilator-induced lung injury. The gold standard remains lung-protective mechanical ventilation, using lower-tidal volumes and pressure-limited ventilator titration. Notable progress in care includes further refinements in mechanical ventilation, consideration of salutatory effects of early prone positioning and neuromuscular blockade, and exploration of adjunctive extrapulmonary support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This review focuses on three specific aspects: the evolving trend toward open lung ventilation, tempered by the recent cautionary experience with high-frequency oscillation ventilation; the evolution of prone positioning as a treatment for the most hypoxemic patients; and the continued future promise of extracorporeal support as a true rescue therapy.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in ARDS patients: the impact of prone positioning. A secondary analysis of the PROSEVA trial

The goal of this study was to assess the impact of prone positioning on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and the role of VAP in mortality in a recent multicenter trial performed on patients with severe ARDS. An ancillary study of a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial on early prone positioning in patients with severe ARDS. In suspected cases of VAP the diagnosis was based on positive quantitative cultures of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or tracheal aspirate at the 10(4) and 10(7)CFU/ml thresholds, respectively. The VAP cases were then subject to central, independent adjudication. The cumulative probabilities of VAP were estimated in each position group using the Aalen-Johansen estimator and compared using Gray's test. A univariate and a multivariate Cox model was performed to assess the impact of VAP, used as a time-dependent covariate for mortality hazard during the ICU stay. In the supine and prone position groups, the incidence rate for VAP was 1.18 (0.86-1.60) and 1.54 (1.15-2.02) per 100days of invasive mechanical ventilation (p=0.10), respectively. The cumulative probability of VAP at 90days was estimated at 46.5% (27-66) in the prone group and at 33.5% (23-44) in the supine group. The difference between the two cumulative probability curves was not statistically significant (p=0.11). In the univariate Cox model, VAP was associated with an increase in the mortality rate during the ICU stay [HR 1.65 (1.05-2.61), p=0.03]. HR increased to 2.2 (1.39-3.52) (p<0.001) after adjustment for position group, age, SOFA score, McCabe score, and immunodeficiency. In severe ARDS patients prone positioning did not reduce the incidence of VAP and VAP was associated with higher mortality.

Controversies in the Management of Severe ARDS: Optimal Ventilator Management and Use of Rescue Therapies.

Groundbreaking research into the pathophysiology of the adult acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the prevention of ventilator-induced lung injury has led to dramatic improvements in survival. Investigations over the last two decades have revolved around the development of rescue therapies that can be used for patients with severe ARDS and refractory hypoxemia. To date, the techniques of using high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), prompt institution of neuromuscular blockade, and early prolonged prone positioning have been shown to reduce mortality in patients with severe ARDS. PEEP titration using transpulmonary pressure estimations assisted by esophageal manometry has been shown to result in a substantial improvement in oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used increasingly since the mid-2000s in part due to the H1N1 epidemic. A major randomized controlled trial conducted during this period showed a significant mortality benefit for patients with severe ARDS who were referred to a center with ECMO capabilities. The routine use of inhaled nitric oxide for patients with severe ARDS has not been shown to lead to more than a transient and limited improvement in oxygenation, which may hinder its use as a sole rescue therapy. Finally, recent studies have found that the routine use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in severe ARDS does not result in decreased mortality, although the technique has not been specifically investigated as rescue therapy for severe refractory hypoxemia.

One-year experience with an acute respiratory distress syndrome standard operating procedure on intensive care unit

PurposeMortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients remains unacceptable high, and there is substantial variation in the diagnostic and management strategies used. We recently established a standardized algorithm for the early identification and guideline conform therapy of ARDS on intensive care units (ICUs). We here present the results of a first-year observatory period after implementation of the ARDS bundle on our ICU. Methods and resultsA retrospective, observative, single-center case control study over a period of 4 years was performed. We analyzed the effects after implementation of an ARDS standard operating procedure (SOP) on prevalence of the diagnosis ARDS, mortality from ARDS, and therapy strategies. Implementation of the SOP led to an increased frequency of ARDS diagnosis (P < .05), increased application of early prone positioning (P < .05), and use of neuromuscular blockers (P < .02) in ARDS patients. An influence on mortality in ARDS patients could not be detected after implementation of the SOP (P = not significant). ConclusionA standardized ARDS bundle fundamentally increases awareness of this clinical picture on ICU and facilitates application of evidence-based therapies like prone positioning and use of neuromuscular blockers. These data encourage evaluating our ARDS SOP in a prospective trial to identify potential effects on mortality.

MP80-13 DOES THE PEAK INSPIRATORY PRESSURE INCREASE IN THE PRONE POSITION? AN ANALYSIS RELATED TO BMI.

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: Evaluation II1 Apr 2015MP80-13 DOES THE PEAK INSPIRATORY PRESSURE INCREASE IN THE PRONE POSITION? AN ANALYSIS RELATED TO BMI. Michael Siev, Piruz Motamedinia, David Leavitt, David Hoenig, Arthur Smith, and Zeph Okeke Michael SievMichael Siev More articles by this author , Piruz MotamediniaPiruz Motamedinia More articles by this author , David LeavittDavid Leavitt More articles by this author , David HoenigDavid Hoenig More articles by this author , Arthur SmithArthur Smith More articles by this author , and Zeph OkekeZeph Okeke More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.2849AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is performed most commonly in the prone position to facilitate access to the renal collecting system. There is concern that the prone position, especially in obese patients, results in negative effects on ventilation, due to restriction of chest compliance and respiratory mechanics. This study analyzes the change in airway resistance between supine and prone positioning of patients undergoing PCNL. METHODS In this IRB-approved study, between May and October 2014, we retrospectively reviewed 41 patients who underwent prone PCNL while all intraoperative respiratory parameters were continuously recorded. Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) was selected as a marker of airway resistance and respiratory compliance, and was assessed in supine position, 1 minute after being turned prone (early prone) and at the end of the case (late prone). Results were stratified based on BMI and data were compared using the paired t-test with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS Out of 41 cases, 15 (37%) were obese (BMI ≥30). For non-obese patients, average BMI was 23.5, and for obese patients, average BMI was 41.6. In non-obese patients, average PIP was 17.46, 18.10 and 17.90 cm H2O in the supine, early prone and late prone positions respectively; for obese patients average PIP was 23.97, 26.13 and 23.73 cm H2O. There was a statistically significant difference in average PIP between obese and non-obese patients in all 3 positions (p<0.0001, p<0.0001 and p=0.0009 respectively). There was also a statistically significant change in PIP from the supine to early prone position (p=0.03) in the obese cohort, but there was no significant difference between supine and late prone position (p=0.90). There was no statistically significant difference between any positions in non-obese patients (p=0.16 and p=0.83 respectively). CONCLUSIONS Changes in positioning do not affect PIP in non-obese patients. Though there is a statistically significant increase in airway resistance in obese patients, this occurs with initial positioning and PIP normalizes to supine levels by the end of the case. Thus, it appears that the negative effects of positioning on airway resistance and respiratory compliance in obese patients are transient, and that prone positioning for PCNL in obese patients remains a safe and viable option. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e1024 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Michael Siev More articles by this author Piruz Motamedinia More articles by this author David Leavitt More articles by this author David Hoenig More articles by this author Arthur Smith More articles by this author Zeph Okeke More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Act fast and ventilate soft: The Düsseldorf hands-on translation of the acute respiratory distress syndrome Berlin definition

Early identification of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and forceful implementation of standardized therapy algorithms are the mandatory basis of an effective therapy to improve patient outcome. Recently, a new definition of ARDS was implemented, which simplified the diagnostic criteria for ARDS. Evidence-based therapies are rare, but some cornerstone interventions can be recommended. Lung-protective ventilation with high positive end-expiratory pressure and low tidal volume and early prone positioning in severe cases improve survival rate. We here present an integrated “Düsseldorf hands-on translation” in the form of a “one-page” standard operating procedure in order to fasten and standardize both diagnosis and therapeutic algorithms on an intensive care unit.

Successful Recovery after Drowning by Early Prone Ventilatory Positioning and Use of Nitric Oxide Gas - A Case Report -

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional accidental death globally. The most serious pathophysiologic consequence of drowning is hypoxemia from acute respiratory distress syndrome. Herein, we report a drowning victim who presented with hypothermia and cardiac arrest, followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome, rhabdomyolysis (with acute kidney injury), and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Aided by advanced cardiac life support and mechanical ventilation in a prone position, the patient fully recovered after two days of hospitalization. Recovery was largely attributed to early prone ventilatory positioning and use of nitric oxide gas.

Posterior Retinal Folds Following Vitreoretinal Surgery-Reply

<h3>In reply</h3> We appreciate the comments and suggestions of Avins et al with regard to avoiding retinal fold formation. Their recommendations regarding complete transvitreal drainage of SRF rather than transscleral drainage and the benefit of early prone positioning echo the sentiments discussed in our report. With the recognition of the benefits of posterior retinotomy and "complete" drainage, we have, for all intents and purposes, abandoned the transscleral drainage approach. We have never attempted the technique Avins et al describe of scleral depression to drive fluid into the vitreous after partial fluid gas exchange in eyes drained internally. The use of a posterior retinotomy makes these types of complicated maneuvers unnecessary. We believe the benefit of early prone positioning comes from the fact that the border of previously detached/attached retina is not below (dependent) the bubble meniscus. As discussed in our report, we believe it is the dependent movement of residual